topic University Anxiety in Anxiety

University Anxiety

PsychedelicFur — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:28:27 GMT

Hello there, how are you all? I hope you’ve all had a wonderfully productive and great day.

I will cut straight to the chase -

So I am having some anxiety in regards to my university fees. I wasn’t aware that there was a census date with my VET student loan application. And the fees department sent me the form to fill out without telling me it was already way past the census date. Now I’m looking for other avenues in order to pay the semester one deposit. They need 30% in order to make a payment plan. I’m struggling financially. But that is not why I’m writing this thread. I’m writing this thread because the university is saying if a payment is not made they will withhold my marks and not allow me to graduate. I’m stressing. I work so hard and my studies are absolutely paramount over anything in my life. Hence why I dump my emotionally abusive, narcissistic ex boyfriend. Because I wanted to work on my studies and pursue my dream career. I have contacted support but I feel so overly anxious. I’m planning on making a payment but I’m getting so upset with the statement that they said. Even though I told them last month my circumstances and situation. My lecturer and my mental health support tutor at university are far more supportive then the people in the fees department. As they are helping me come up with practical solutions whereas the fees department keep sending very intimidating message saying it ‘will affect my studies’ if I don’t pay the full amount, even though I explained my situation. I know I will get it all organised but I’m anxious about if my studying is affected. Feeling worried. Hope everything will be ok. I love studying and I want to work so hard for this. I’m determine to do this though. And nothing, I mean NOTHING will stand it my way. I’ve got this and I’m going to pass this year. Just feeling a bit disoriented at the moment due to the emails that the fees department have sent me in the past couple of weeks.

going to get through this and be strong!!

University Anxiety

Croix — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 12:26:41 GMT

Dear PsF~

I taught at uni for nearly 20 years and have heard stories such as yours more than once. I think you have every reason to be optimistic.

For some reason I found at my uni there were two camps, the academic, being tutors, lecturers and heads of school, and the admin side, used to dealing in dollars and cents, and not the most understanding or empathetic of people (there were of course exceptions which we greatly overused due to their reasonable attitude). Admin do send out terse demanding letters, it's true.

An educator quickly picks up if a student is enthusiastic and capable, or not matter how many brains, is simply going though the motions -if doing anything at all.

The former students need fostering in every way possible, they are the gold in the system and the reason we teach.

Seek all the advice and allies you can - be proactive, even cheeky, I'm sure an avenue will be found, even if at last resort an appeal to Head of School over the way the matter was presented to you.

Please let us know how you get on.

Croix

University Anxiety

tranzcrybe — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 12:57:46 GMT

"the university is saying if a payment is not made they will withhold my marks and not allow me to graduate" - yep, that is the 'party line' but if you read closely you'll see that it doesn't affect your right to study, or submit work, or be graded on it. The only issue is that the university will retain 'ownership' of your course results (ie no graduation) until your debts are paid.

In layman's terms, it's a bit like 'lay-by' (gee, now I'm showing my age) - you would put down a deposit and make regular payments on something... it's yours, and you are the rightful recipient, but you can't take it home with you until the full price has been paid. You are 'buying' your education and once the boffins catch up the payments you can collect what is rightfully yours.

They are probably correct in saying "it will affect your studies" since you are being harassed by their constant demands and that can't be good for concentration. I would be asking why a reminder wasn't sent in a timely manner to allow you to comply (but be sure to check you didn't overlook the fine print re your obligations).

University Anxiety

PsychedelicFur — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:25:49 GMT

Thank you both of you. On the first week of starting university I was getting emails saying my fees were overdue and I seemed help on March 17th telling one of my lecturers and the admin at the University. I was being bombarded to just pay my fees. And the financials department is saying I should basically defer my studies til I can afford to pay. I was really taken back and hurt. I explain my circumstances but she did not care.

now seeking new avenues.

natty

University Anxiety

PsychedelicFur — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:26:49 GMT

*correction I was meant to say PF*

University Anxiety

PsychedelicFur — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:29:47 GMT

I searched for assistance back then. I’m natty or PF. There we go!! Lol

going to organise this.

University Anxiety

PsychedelicFur — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:04:57 GMT

I think I may have found a solution.

University Anxiety

PsychedelicFur — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:33:28 GMT

I have every single right to fight this and get to where I want to be. I’m going to achieve my goals and I will not at all give up. This made me a hurdle but it isn’t going to stop me. Not now, not ever. I have every right like everyone else to achieve my goals despite my financial position. Going to win this. I have a couple of solutions now.

University Anxiety

TheWookie — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:41:26 GMT

Yay!

University Anxiety

Croix — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 09:31:06 GMT

Dear - um. Please tell me and I'll use whichever name you are most comfortable with, frankly I think PsychedelicFur captures you essence, but that's just me, your call.

I'm glad you can see a couple of possibilities, not giving up is exactly right, as is continuing you studies in the meantime. As others have pointed out this can be harder becuse of the uncertainty of where it will all end weighing on you mind when you are trying to concentrate.

Relaxation exercises prior to a study session can help, as can things like Smiling Mind (which I use)

https://www.smilingmind.com.au

Whatever you learn now and the material you hand in is not going to be wasted, and even if there is a delay in authorizing you I'd be most surprised if your work was not accepted and marked -plus being given feedback on it.

Please don't forget study groups. They can sometimes be a guide and also give you an opportunity to help others, thus clarifying things in your own mind. When I studied they were an essential part of my education.

Please let us know how you get on with the hiccup

Croix

University Anxiety

PsychedelicFur — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 09:45:09 GMT

PsychedelicFur is fine, thank you!!!!

and thank you Croix for the response and advice. How are you? I hope you are well.

University Anxiety

Croix — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:16:50 GMT

Dear PsF~

I'm OK thanks, I have Sumo Cat in charge by my left elbow, so all is good.

I too have used a wrong name at the end of a post, I freaked out and then reported the post(s) so the moderators could remove that wrong name. If you wanted you could do the same.

Croix

University Anxiety

missep123 — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 08:27:04 GMT

Hi PF!

I'm so sorry to hear about that, as a fellow student I can appreciate how stressful it can be when it comes to payments! Please keep us updated on how you go! I think that it is really awesome how positive you are during this!