How to plan and use your time during online time-limited assessments
Online time-limited assessments (OTLAs) can be a stressful time of the year, especially if you have multiple deadlines.
Alliyah Aziz and Doan Thuy Linh Nguyen, final year interns in Programmes and Assessment have put together this guide to help you gain control of your time.
Read on to find out how to:
- create an effortless plan
- plan where you’re going to do your best work
- understand the what to expect during the online time-limited assessments (OTLAs)
- plan for unforeseen circumstances
- create time for yourself
1) Block your dates on the calendar
When your OTLA schedule drops, immediately block time on your calendar. Set multiple reminders, such as one a day before to gather materials, and another reminder 2–3 hours before to set up your environment and eliminate distractions.
Plan the work duration carefully to create enough space for question-solving, answer review and breaks. This way, you will avoid overestimating how much time you have left and reserve enough time for proper meals and breaks. Your future self will thank you when the submission time comes, and you are not exhausted from an all-nighter!
2) Prepare for a distraction-free environment
Before starting your OTLA, take some time to set up a distraction-free and comfortable workspace. If you’re at home, clear your desk, silence your phone or put it away, and gather all your essentials — notes, water, and snacks — so you won’t need to get up.
If your environment is too noisy and chaotic, book a study room on campus here. The libraries offer reservable spaces with reliable Wi-Fi and zero distractions, which can boost your productivity. Remember to reserve your place well in advance during busy exam seasons.
When taking your OTLA on campus, make sure to dress comfortably for the weather. Pack your bag with essentials: materials (notes, textbooks, calculator if allowed), charger and adapters, snacks, drinks, and any necessary medications.
3) Know what to expect during your assessments
As soon as your OTLA is announced, thoroughly review all guidelines and requirements like word count, time limits, and permitted resources and materials. Don’t risk violating academic integrity — confirm with your module lead about whether AI tools are allowed in the exam. Read more about AI and assessments
You will be given a certain amount of time to complete the OTLA.
Lots of OTLA ask you to complete your work within a long time period — e.g. 24 or 48 hours. You will not be expected to spend this entire time on completing the OTLA (especially if you have other personal commitments such as a family to look after), and it will not mean a better grade if you do. This time has been created with breaks in mind so do remember this when calculating how much time to spend.
Some OTLAs may begin when you click to start them, and finish when the allocated time is over. Although you can start them any time within the 24–48 hour window, they will often automatically finish after your time is up. Make sure you are ready and know what to expect!
Each school may have a different recommended time to spend on the assessment so make sure to check with your school beforehand. This recommended time will also be provided in the rubric of the paper. If you usually have extra time, the time allowance will incorporate this as well as any rest breaks needed.
During busy periods, it can take time for academics to get back to you. Check university calendars and staff leave schedules, so you have time to ask your questions, avoid any last-minute confusion and risky assumptions.
4) Plan for unforeseen circumstances
Sometimes there are things that cannot be planned for because they are not expected. They may be personal issues (such as an urgent operation or family sickness) or technical issues (such as issues with WIFI or problems submitting). It is important to know that although unforeseen, these occurrences are normal, and you should not be expected to deal with them on your own.
Our tip is to make sure you know where and when to get help for these unplanned circumstances BEFORE your assessment starts so that you can do your very best during your OTLA.
- Find out more about practical guidance, support and information about mitigating circumstances.
- A guide to troubleshooting common issues about submitting your assessment
- log a ticket with the IT department
- contact your school
The important thing to remember, is to seek help and support as soon as you know when an unforeseen circumstance will happen or has happened. This way the University can make sure that you get the support you need as soon as possible.
5) Look after yourself
Having an OTLA, or multiple assessments and deadlines can be stressful. It can be easy to forget to look after yourself during this time and anytime you do spend for yourself can make you feel guilty at not being productive.
However, not taking regular breaks can cause you to feel burnout and you may end up risking your overall performance, not to mention your wellbeing.
So, make sure to take those regular breaks, take a walk in the park or just move to a different room in the house to where you were studying. It is important to disconnect from your studies for a little while to stop you from becoming overwhelmed. Focus on how you feel during this time and understand that it is okay to feel a little stressed or worried during this time.
However, if you feel that your stress or anxiety is negatively affecting you more than usual, or you feel that you can’t handle it on your own. Then know it is okay to ask for help. Tell your school how you feel and find out about the self-help resources and other support at Uni.
