Can't wrap my head around university

[Guest_10163773]

Hello 

I am currently in my first year of my Bachelor of Education and I feel like I'm drifting. I can't finish assignments on time and leave them till the last minute, don't understand the content, mess up all my enrolment, don't go to class. I feel like a loser and a failure. I have already dropped out of uni once and even though my dream is to become a teacher, I just can't crack it. I can't focus and I just don't understand what is going on ever.

I can't function as an adult and it makes me feel horrible about myself. I feel like I am constantly making the wrong decision.

[Summer Rose]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I want you to know that you are neither a loser nor a failure. From reading your post, I think it is possible that an underlying mental health condition may be affecting your ability to function at university.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, because I’m guessing here, but it would seem that you successfully graduated high school and with a good ATAR, as evidenced by your acceptance at university.

So, you are clever and capable of academic achievement.

However, there is a big difference between high school and university—primarily a lack of support structures at university (eg professors won’t chase you for assignments, you have to manage your own deadlines, you have to be motivated to get to class, etc). This means university students need to heavily rely on their own executive functioning skills.

So, if your executive functioning ability is impacted by a mental health condition, it’s only natural that it’s become apparent in your new environment. Believe it or not this is a very common experience for people with undiagnosed ADHD, ASD and many other conditions.

I’m not a doctor but I’d like to encourage you to see one. There may be a mental health reason to explain why you are experiencing challenges and once you know what that is, you can learn how to overcome these challenges. 

I think it would be a real shame for you to give up on your dream, particularly when I believe that things can get better for you. Start with a double appointment with your GP to really discuss what is happening for you and hopefully it will lead you to be finding the right person to help you.

Please post anytime.

Kind thoughts to you 

[Guest_10253]

"I can't finish assignments on time and leave them till the last minute, don't understand the content, mess up all my enrolment, don't go to class. I feel like a loser and a failure" 

You should consider taking a gap year. Get a 'normal job' and something you are 'naturally' inclined toward - computers, public speaking, travel work, animals?... You should aspire to be successful but no job is 'dream' perfect. It takes you about 5-10 years after school to 'slot in' and once you do that its career, kids, mortgage.. so take this as an opportunity and take the pressure off yourself. 

[MarkPiz]

Hi Guest_10163773,

I went through a similar experience at university—it is hard, no doubt about it. But I truly believe you can get through this. There’s something about the way you expressed yourself that shows real strength and determination.

After seeking mental health support, I also recommend being open with your university about what you're going through. From my experience, they can and will support you if you let them in. I wouldn’t have completed my degree without that support.

Try connecting with student mentors as well—mine were absolutely invaluable. And don’t forget about academic support services; they can make a huge difference.

What I can also recommend is taking a break, or reducing your study load. This might give you some breathing space. Even doing just one unit of study and committing to it fully can be really rewarding. I did this myself and ended up genuinely enjoying the learning process.

You’re not alone in this. Take care. Wishing you all the best—good luck!