New here and thanks for listening :)

[Squishy21]

Hello guys. I'm new to this forum so here is a little about me and my struggle. I'm an international student and have been studying a degree since 2015. I was suppose to graduate in 2017 but due to my mom's illness i had to go back to my home country to look after her. I returned after a year and continue my degree and was suppose to graduate in 2019 but did not manage to and had to extend for another semester. So i was hoping to graduate in mid 2020 so that my family will be able to come attend my graduation ceremony. But i recently just got my result and realised that i failed a unit and had to retake it again. All this happening are so overwhelming. I have tried very hard but i still did not meet the requirement. I do not know how to face my family. Although there are no family pressure on this but i didn't want to disappoint them because they've been very supportive no matter what. And i felt that i am taking such a long time to finish a degree when everyone finished it in 3 years time. I don't know what i'm good at, i feel very useless. Being here by myself, i now feel so helpless and alone and my visa is expiring soon which is giving me more anxiety. That's about it. Thanks for listening:)

[uncut_gems]

Hi Squishy21,

First of all, welcome to the forums! I'm so glad you found us here and shared a bit about what you're struggling with.

What a string of events! Studying internationally is very difficult, even without family pressure, and with added family health problems and coursework troubles you can find yourself falling out of your groove academically.

People finish degrees at all different times for a variety of reasons. There's absolutely no shame in taking longer to finish a degree, especially given the circumstances you mention. I wonder if your uni has any staff or faculty you can see about the specific course you're struggling with? Most universities have at least some resources for students struggling academically. Do you mind my asking if you have enough time left on your visa to give the course another go?

Always here for you on the forums, and would love to keep chatting 🙂

Warmly,

Gems

[Squishy21]

Hello Uncut_gems, thank you for your reply 🙂 Whatever that you said is so true. Everyone has their own timeline and that's what i always said to others and i can't seem to apply that on myself ! haha. And no i do not have enough time to continue because my current visa is expiring next month but i will be able to extend it (hopefully) till end of this year which is going to require alot of money again :(. So yeah.

[uncut_gems]

Hi Squishy,

It's always easier to give advice than to take it! (I've certainly found that true here on the forums lol). I'm sorry to hear that your visa situation will put a strain on your finances, but it sounds like this is what needs to happen for you to see your studies through to the end. As long as it won't break the bank, try to be patient with yourself. I know that the government's visa policy regarding international students is liable to change because of COVID, so perhaps there will be a modification of the rules in your favor that will save you some time or money. I understand unis are keen to get international students back to learning ASAP.

Warmly,

Gems

[CalmCat]

Hi Squishy21,

Thanks for such a vulnerable and open post.

I'm so sorry to hear the your via is nearly up and that you failed a subject, I couldn't imagine the stress that your under.

Have you exhausted all avenues, regarding extending your visa so you can complete your qualification?

I'm sure your university has systems in place for people in your current situation. Reach out to your uni, I'm sure they can help. And all the best with your study,I know you'll pass! Good Luck!

Regards,

Doz