Done with University

[Pls_Help]

Hi all,

So I'm in my first year of University and I am passing all my subjects but only just. I generally don't ask for help because I think I'm doing it right and then I get my marks back and I've only just scraped through. I tend to be really hard on myself so nearly failing sits pretty heavily with me and bothers me for days if not weeks. All my friends seem to be doing really well- GPA's of 6+ whereas I'm sitting on a 4.5 (just passing). I just don't know where I'm going wrong and I can't really ask anyone about it because when I talk to my friends about assessment we seem to be on the same page about things. I know I shouldn't compare myself to others and all that but I'm having a really hard time because I think I'm doing everything right but I keep getting it all so wrong. Part of me wants to give up and drop out but I know my family would be so disappointed in me which makes it all worse because disappointing them is the last thing I want to do. Not sure what I'm looking for in posting this, I think I just wanted to get it off my chest, either way thanks for listening.

[Croix]

Dear Pls_Help~

There are a fair number of students who have similar problems at uni and in most cases the way to improve is quite straightforward. There really is no need to worry, most can do well if they wish and asking here for help is a pretty good first step.

Being able to see how you are going, judging your own work, can be hard, and results, either disappointing or very good, can be a real surprise. It's a bit of a chicken and egg situation, you have to know the work before you can judge if you are on the right track 🙂

So what to do? First off are the mechanical things such as are covered in a 'presentation of assignments' handout or similar. Getting work in on-time and in the right format mean you don't lose marks unnecessarily.

Second is to see what comments or other indicators are there as to why you did not do better.

This knowledge should be combined with getting help. The uni will have established ways for you to do this and basically involve working with others, either in a formal tutorial setup (costs money) or in a study group (free). The uni Student Counseling service may help with either if these -depends on the uni. It is amazing how much difference it can make, both in helping you organize yourself and in the ideas and straight assistance in understanding you can gain.

This in turn feeds your confidence and reduces stress and worry, so you do better again.

As a uni educator I've seen many 1st year students struggle at first. Just about always it is the ones that recognize -as you have- that they need to improve and do something about it that succeed well.

We'd be interested if you posted back and said what you thought.

Croix

[Croix]

P.S. I forgot to mention that study groups can be a new source of friendships and other activities, not all dry and daunting -C

[Hope_for_the_best]

Croix has give you some good suggestions. I would like to add a few more.

For academic support, I would suggest that you approach the lecturers of your courses directly. Some lecturers set weekly consultation sessions for students to ask questions, or you can email them and ask for an appointment. I have done that many times in uni, and lecturers are generally very helpful and approachable. Most lecturers are more than happy to go through your test papers with you and identify areas where you need to work on. It may sound scary to see lecturers in person, but you would be benefit from having a conversation with them, particularly when you don't know what you did wrong.

In my experience, mentor and student advisor are good emotional support for first year of university. Does your university have some sorts of mentoring program? I joined one when I was in first year of university and it was very helpful to have someone to turn to when I was struggling. Alternatively, does your school have a student advisor of any sorts? Maybe have a chat to him/her. My faculty has a very great student advisor and she has always been helpful to me for anything from course enrollment to career choices.

[Ladyhawke]

Hi Pls_Help

The transition from high school to university can be difficult for many. I spent my first year at uni dazed and confused for much of the time and it was only when I started second year that I finally "got it" and began doing very well with my studies.

Like you, I also considered dropping out on a few occasions. Instead, I spoke to the student counsellors and academic staff who were enormously supportive and encouraging.

It can be confusing and ego-deflating when those around you appear to be breezing through the requirements, however, I realised that whilst many of my fellow students gave the outward impression of control, it was obvious that inwardly many were experiencing similar issues to my own.

Before deciding to drop out, I'd speak to the on-staff counsellors and the academic staff in the areas where you're having the most difficulties. I found the academic staff very approachable, most helpful and their advice was invaluable.

Prior to gaining employment in my chosen field, I spent eight months working in the 'Student Administration' section of a major university. The majority of students we dealt with were first-years experiencing difficulties such as you describe. Some decided they needed a break and requested a deferral of their studies for up to two years. Deciding to take a year or two off is not the end of the world and many students seemed to cope with the requirements of tertiary studies with a more mature attitude when they returned to uni.

Good luck, LH

[Pls_Help]

Thanks for the responses guys,

I haven't tried talking to anyone from the student Counselling services or Academic advisors yet but that is a great idea that I will try.

As for the study groups and mentors, there aren't many (none to my knowledge) for the degree I'm studying as it's not well-known or popular and I don't have enough money to spend on a private tutor.

I haven't actually tried talking to the tutors/ lecturers directly about my grades because we have a 48-hour policy where you aren't allowed to talk to the marker about your grade for 48-hours after the grade is released, after which I've already given up and accepted my grade. But I will definitely try to give a go this time around.

[Hope_for_the_best]

Are there any student associations at your uni? Networking is helpful in getting more support. You can form your own study group with other students of the same degree. I did that as well in uni and it was very helpful. On a few occasions, I went to the lecturers with my study group peers because we were struggling with the same problems. It is good to hear that you will talk to your tutors/lecturers about your grades. They are the ones who can give you valuable feedback to improve. A 2-day wait is not long in my opinion.

The key message is be proactive in reaching out for help. Be open and talk to others. Often you will come across others having the same issues and you can tackle them together.