Exam season is here, and if you’re about to sit your GCSEs or A Levels, you might be wondering what to do the night before an exam to keep those nerves at bay.

While all your hard work and preparation will certainly pay off, it’s equally important to ensure that you go into your exam with a positive mindset.

Here, I’ll outline five things you can do the night before an exam to ensure you’re cool, calm, and collected on the big day.

1. Use your study materials

Read over your notes or test yourself with flashcards one last time. Although re-reading notes is often considered a ‘passive’ revision technique, if you’re wondering what to do the night before an exam, a light review like this is a good way of refreshing your memory on key facts and information.

You don’t have buckets of time, so prioritise the areas you feel least confident in. If there’s a topic you don’t fully understand, though, don’t panic. There’ll always be areas you find more challenging than others, and at this stage, fretting over something you may have overlooked will be more of a hindrance than a help. Remember, intense cramming shouldn’t be your focus as it’s not an effective way to revise. Instead, it’s about making yourself feel more confident, organised, and self-assured.

Briefly flicking through a couple of past papers may also be helpful to re-familiarise yourself with the format of the exam, so you know exactly what to expect on the day.

2. Pack your bag

When you wake up on the morning of an exam, it’s normal to feel anxious. Having to frantically search for and pack everything you’ll need will only create additional stress, and you may run the risk of forgetting something important. That’s why one of the best things to do the night before an exam is to make sure you’re fully packed and ready to go.

Here’s a checklist of items you may need:

  • Transparent pencil case
  • Pencils
  • Black pens
  • Rubber
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Ruler
  • Transparent water bottle
  • Reading glasses

Depending on the subject, you may also need the following items:

  • Calculator
  • Compass
  • Protractor
  • Set square
  • Highlighter
  • Coloured pencils

Remember to check with your school which items you’re allowed to take into each exam. You may also want to pack a healthy pre-exam snack!

A teenage girl wearing pyjamas is reading a book in bed the night before an exam.

3. Look after yourself

Don’t spend all night revising. Knowing when to step away from your books and have some downtime is crucial to give you time to unwind and recharge your batteries. Trust me, you’ll feel more refreshed and alert come exam day.

Here are a few ways that you can practise self-care the night before an exam and maximise your chances of success:

  • Have something nutritious to eat
  • Swap caffeine for a herbal tea
  • Get some fresh air or do some light exercise
  • Take a shower or run a bubble bath
  • Listen to some music (and have a boogie to expel your nervous energy!)
  • Watch an episode of your favourite Netflix show or listen to a podcast

4. Get an early night

When thinking about what to do the night before an exam, don’t overlook the importance of sleep.

Getting a good night’s sleep (at least 7-8 hours) is crucial if you want to perform your best. Staying up late to cram may leave you feeling exhausted and on edge—not the best state to be in when you’re going into a 2-3 hour exam!

Research shows that sleep impacts memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. An early night will help you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and ready to focus on the task in hand.

And while on the topic of sleep, don’t forget to set an alarm (or two…).

Can’t sleep before an exam?

Struggling to fall asleep the night before an exam is common, especially if you’re feeling anxious. If you find yourself tossing and turning, try these quick tips:

  • Don’t panic: Resting quietly in bed is still helpful, even if you’re not asleep.
  • Avoid looking at the clock: This only increases stress. Turn your clock face away if needed.
  • Try deep breathing or a body scan: Focus on relaxing each part of your body, from the top of your head, all the way down to your toes.
  • Listen to calming audio: A guided meditation, podcast, or gentle music can help distract and relax your mind.
  • Avoid screens: Blue light from phones or laptops can disrupt your sleep cycle.
  • Get up briefly: If you can’t sleep after 20–30 minutes, get up and do something quiet and calming, like reading a book under soft lighting.

Even if your night isn’t perfect, remember: one rough night won’t undo all your preparation.

A teenage boy having an early night the night before an exam with an alarm clock set on the bedside table.

5. Breathe

Managing nerves is essential the night before an exam. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to keep things in perspective. At the end of the day, it’s just an exam, and all you can do is try your best. Pre-exam nerves are more common than you think. Try to keep a positive mindset, and if you start to panic, take a few deep breaths.

For more tips on how to keep those nerves in check, have a read of our article on managing exam anxiety.

Knowing what to do the night before an exam can make all the difference. It’s not about last-minute cramming—it’s about setting yourself up to walk in feeling calm, clear-headed, and confident.

Trust the work you’ve already done, take care of yourself, and go into that exam ready to do your best.

You’ve got this!

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Molly Wood

Molly is a recent first-class graduate from the University of St Andrews, where she studied biology. As Project Manager at PMT Education, she oversees SEO, digital content, and media management.

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