Prepare everything for the day the evening before

Small practical failures cause big stress. Departments often specify what to bring; the University of Lahore's Islamabad campus guidelines, for example, expect each member to bring the code, presentation, documentation and other project files.

A typical checklist:

• Laptop charged, charger, projector adapters, mobile hotspot.
• Slides as a file and a PDF copy on a USB drive and in the cloud.
• Backup demo video stored offline.
• Repository open on the submitted version; demo data seeded.
• Printed report copies if required, plus your own numbered copy with notes.
• Any hardware, tested that morning.
• Water, and arrival time well before your slot.

Sheffield's guidance also reminds students that a viva is not a memory test; bringing your report and notes is normal.