Students from Young High School and Hennessy Catholic College were among 77,000 students throughout the state who sat their first Higher School Certificate on Thursday.

Music students had a further exam on Thursday afternoon.

While nervous about sitting the exam, Young High School students, who sat the exam at the Young Showground Pavilion gave the exam the thumbs up.

Tiarana Allison said the exam was what she expected.

Fellow classmate Mara Phillips said she believed doing the trial HSC exams had helped a lot with her preparation.

“It helped a lot with knowing what to expect,” Mara said.

“I would’ve liked more time even though I finished the exam, the extra time would’ve allowed me to put more detail into my answers,” Mara said.

She added that the teachers at Young High School had prepared her well for the exams.

Another student, Stephanie Hannan agreed they had been well prepared, adding the exam seemed to go really fast.

All students will sit a second English exam on Friday.

Hospitality students will also sit an exam on Friday.

The final exams will be held on Friday, November 4.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has reminded students there is more to life than results or stress during the next few weeks.

“Whilst this is an important part of your life, the most important thing to remember is that it is not the only part of your life. The options and pathways for people who don’t like exams are endless. Not everybody has to do well at school or go to University,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is only a small part of your life and in a couple of weeks, your next chapter will begin and can take you anywhere in life.”

Ensuring students’ physical and mental health is cared for is the most important consideration, Mr McCormack reminded students.

“As you approach the next few weeks, relax. Laugh. Exercise. Take some time to look after yourself,” he said..