When exam season rolls around, it’s natural to want to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible. One of the questions that often comes up is: Can I take food and drinks into an exam? The answer isn’t always simple — it depends on your school or exam board’s rules. But don’t worry — here’s everything you need to know.
Are food and drinks allowed in exams?
Most schools and exam boards do not allow food in the exam room unless you have a medical reason (like diabetes or another condition that requires you to eat). If that’s the case, you’ll usually need to inform your school in advance and possibly provide a doctor’s note.
However, drinks are usually allowed — but there may be some rules such as:
- The drink must be in a clear bottle
- The label should be removed
- The liquid should be non-alcoholic and not colored unusually (e.g., no energy drinks or sodas with bright colors)
Always check with your exam officer or teacher beforehand so you don’t get caught out on the day.
What kind of drinks should you take?
If drinks are allowed, stick to these safe options:
- Water: Best choice — keeps you hydrated and focused.
- Clear sports drinks: Only if allowed and not brightly colored (double-check the rules).
- Diluted juice: Only if it’s clear and in a label-free bottle.
Avoid:
- Coffee or energy drinks (too stimulating and often banned)
- Sugary or fizzy drinks (they can cause a crash mid-exam)
What if you’re allowed food?
Some schools or exam centres do allow food, as long as it’s quiet, non-disruptive, and doesn’t distract other candidates. Others may only permit it for medical reasons, so it’s important to check the specific rules where you’re sitting your exam.
If food is allowed, stick to simple, silent snacks that are easy to eat and won’t make a mess. Good options include:
- A banana or soft fruit
- A cereal or granola bar (without noisy wrappers)
- A plain sandwich in a soft container
- Mints or sweets (without noisy wrappers)
Try to avoid anything noisy, smelly, or messy, such as:
- Crisps, crunchy vegetables, or hard fruits like apples
- Strong-smelling foods (like tuna or egg sandwiches)
- Items that require unwrapping or cutlery
The key is to be considerate — if it’s going to distract someone else or make noise, it’s probably not the best choice for the exam room.
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