(And Where to Find the Perfect Space in New Farm)
With the rise of remote learning, many university students now find themselves taking online exams and virtual assessments from home. But as more institutions offer flexible learning formats, students are quickly discovering that home isn’t always the best environment for high-stakes exams.
Whether you’re studying at UQ, QUT, Griffith, or any of Brisbane’s other major institutions, this guide will help you understand why you may need a dedicated exam space, what to look for, and how Salt Space Coworking in New Farm can help.
📚 Why Home Isn’t Always the Best Place for Online Exams
While studying from home has its perks, it presents several challenges during exam time—when focus, stability, and silence are essential. Here are common issues students face:
1. Noise and Distractions
From housemates chatting in the kitchen to barking dogs, home environments aren’t built with concentration in mind. Even minor background noise can be flagged by online proctoring software.
2. Unstable Internet Connection
Not all households have consistent high-speed internet. Buffering, lag, or dropped connections during an exam can mean disqualification or having to resit.
3. Limited Space and Privacy
Not everyone has a dedicated home office. Taking an exam in a shared bedroom or at the dining table means interruptions are almost guaranteed.
4. Lack of Exam-Ready Setup
Online exams often have strict tech requirements—laptop charging access, camera positioning, and a stable surface. Makeshift setups can cause stress or technical failure.
5. Exam Proctoring Rules
Online invigilation (using AI or human proctors) requires a quiet, closed-off space where nobody else can be seen or heard. Shared living doesn’t always make this possible.
🏙️ Common Alternatives to Taking Online Exams at Home
Here are some options students consider—and the pros and cons of each:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| University Library | Free access, reliable internet | Often noisy, limited privacy, not available after hours |
| Public Libraries | Quiet, free WiFi | Limited availability, may not allow private rooms |
| Cafés or Co-working cafés | WiFi, open long hours | Not private, noisy, unsuitable for proctored exams |
| Campus Study Rooms | Designed for students | Require pre-booking, limited hours, not always secure |
| Friend’s House | Change of scenery | Same risks as home—unpredictable environment |
While these options work for casual study, they often fall short for high-stakes, time-sensitive online exams.
âś… What You Really Need in an Online Exam Location
Here’s a checklist of what’s required for a smooth online testing experience:
✔️ Stable, High-Speed Internet
Upload and download speeds should meet or exceed your university’s or exam software’s requirements.
✔️ No Background Noise
Online proctoring tools monitor audio. You’ll need complete silence—no TVs, conversations, or external noise.
✔️ Private, Closed-Off Room
A door that closes is essential. You can’t risk someone entering mid-exam or being seen on camera.
✔️ Strong Lighting
You must be visible on camera at all times. Poor lighting can flag security issues.
✔️ Desk and Power Access
You’ll need a desk surface, comfortable chair, and power outlets for your laptop and webcam.
✔️ Compliance with Exam Software
Some platforms require screen sharing, camera scanning of the room, or recording audio throughout.
đź“Ť Salt Space Coworking: Private Exam Pods in New Farm, Brisbane
If you’re looking for an exam-friendly space in Brisbane, the Meeting Pod at Salt Space Coworking ticks all the boxes—plus a few extras.
đź’Ľ About the Space
- Private 1–2 person room
- Available 24/7 (after-hours access provided)
- $20/hour or $120/day (prices include GST)
- Optional monitor (HDMI & USB-C compatible)
- High-speed, exam-friendly WiFi
- Quiet, secure, and distraction-free
🗺️ Convenient Brisbane Location
Salt Space is located at:
Level 1, 888 Brunswick Street, New Farm QLD 4005
Easily accessible from:
- The CBD (10 mins via bus or scooter)
- Teneriffe, Newstead, and Fortitude Valley
- Nearby universities like QUT Gardens Point, QUT Kelvin Grove, and Griffith South Bank
🚍 Buses 196 & 199 stop right out front
🅿️ Free street parking nearby + 3hrs free parking at Merthyr Village
🧾 Real Student Scenarios
🎓 1. “My Housemates Are Too Loud”
Sarah, a UQ law student, had her final exam for Administrative Law at 8am. With her housemates still waking up and the blender going in the kitchen, she couldn’t focus. She booked the Meeting Pod and had a silent, stress-free session with strong WiFi and a comfortable seat.
🎓 2. “My Internet Keeps Dropping”
Mohammed, studying IT at Griffith, was flagged by proctoring software twice due to internet lag. He now books the Meeting Pod for every online exam.
🎓 3. “I Need to Take an Exam After-Hours”
Jess from QUT works part-time and could only take her test in the evening. With Salt Space’s after-hours access, she used the Meeting Pod at 7pm and passed with ease.
🧠Additional Tips for a Successful Online Exam
1. Do a Tech Check the Day Before
Test your camera, microphone, and WiFi in the space you plan to use.
2. Arrive Early
Give yourself 15–30 minutes to get settled, power up, and check lighting.
3. Bring Backup Devices
If possible, have your phone nearby (on silent) in case of technical issues.
4. Bring Valid ID
Most exams require ID to be shown at the beginning.
5. Avoid Browser Extensions
Proctoring software may flag unfamiliar extensions—disable them before the exam.
🧾 Booking the Meeting Pod at Salt Space
Booking is simple:
- Check availability on our online calendar
- Submit your booking request
- Access details for after-hours will be sent with confirmation
- Come early and bring your ID
- Enjoy your quiet, exam-ready pod!
đź’¬ What Students Say
“It was such a relief to have a private room where I didn’t have to worry about housemates or dodgy WiFi. Salt Space made it easy.” – UQ Business Student
“The after-hours access saved me—my exam started at 7pm, and everything went smoothly thanks to the Meeting Pod.” – QUT Law Student
Ready to Book?
đź“Ť Salt Space Coworking
Level 1, 888 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005
🕗 Staffed Hours: 8am–5pm Mon–Fri
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🧾 Final Thoughts: Exam Success Starts with the Right Setup
Whether you’re a full-time student or balancing study with work, your exam environment can make or break your performance. If home isn’t cutting it, or you need a quiet, tech-ready location to complete your next assessment, consider the Meeting Pod at Salt Space.
Offering privacy, WiFi, comfort, and convenience, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for Brisbane students taking online exams.
👉 Book your exam space today — and set yourself up for success.