university woes

[LadyE]

It's my first year of uni, I'm studying online and I though that was supposed to make it easier. I also work part time, my job is an hour away and I always feel very tired after work. I feel like I won't have time to do enough research unless I give up everything (sleep, friends, family, boyfriend, work, hobbies) but uni (which I feel is pathetic as I'm only doing one unit)! I'm not enjoying my course, primary teaching, I find it interesting but hard to understand the assignment. I'm afraid I won't be a good teacher because I just passed my first unit. I'm afraid to tell my family, friend and boyfriend, I don't want to be a failure 😞

[Kitty_Kat]

Hi LadyE, welcome to Beyond Blue!

We all understand how stressful studying is and how it affects our lives, but something that often happens is going overboard, which impacts everyday life.

A good idea is to start a study schedule, when you make a schedule of the times each day you study and the other things you do like socializing and your job. This is something a lot of people use at school and it works just as well in uni. If you don't try this you could badly loose sleep and your spare time which I'd imagine are things you'd rather be doing.

If you are not enjoying your course, that's okay! This is the time of your life where you're meant to experiment and try new things to figure out what you want to do in your life. If you still are finding it interesting though, but are finding it difficult, then I'm sure it wouldn't be a big deal if you ask your professor/lecturer for advice and ask for help for your assignments, you are there to learn after all!

Don't be afraid to tell your family, friend and boyfriend, if they care about you they'd understand! No one is going to think your a failure, because that's very unlikely!

Best wishes,

Love Kitty xxx

[LadyE]

Hi Kitty,

I'm not sure about a study schedule, I mean I know it would be very helpful but with my work it might be a bit difficult to keep it routine 😕

I told my boyfriend and he was really sweet and wonderful

I might wait a bit before I tell my family though, I feel a bit too nervous still

And I will ask my lecturer

 Thank you

[Narniakid]

Hi B!

A couple of things I would suggest to help with lack of motivation is to firstly have a look at the environment in which you are working in - I recently redecorated my bedroom and it is amazing what a difference decor can make to your work attitude. Try lighting some vanilla scented candles and having a couple of nice plants nearby. I also recommend making a mood board full of inspirational quotes, your goals, and places you'd like to go to one day, to help keep you on track of why you're doing what you're doing.

As for your concentration, try to hype yourself up for your assignments with light reading. Make sure you don't have any distractions, turn off your phone and close any social media. Take deep breaths and maybe have a cup of tea next to your laptop to help you stay relaxed. Focus on one thing at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Take regular breaks but keep a schedule so you don't get off track and you know how long it'll take to get each task done.

Don't be afraid to tell your boyfriend and your family. Chances are, if they really love you, they will be nothing but supportive.

Good luck, chin up and stay strong - we believe in you!

Crystal

[Sophia_Sophia]

Hi Lady E 🙂

Be easy on yourself -- balancing uni, work and everything else is difficult! It takes some time to get used to fitting everything in 🙂  Also remember that it won't always be like this, you will get better at it and will eventually finish your degree! 

You definitely don't have to give up everything but you will have to practice time management/prioritising. Do you keep a diary? I found writing in a diary/calendar everything that needed to be done study/work then scheduling social stuff around that a good way to stay on top of everything 🙂 Another great thing with this is that crossing stuff off once its complete feels so good and makes you feel more in control of everything 😉 

Also remember that your teachers are there to help you and want you to do your best so they are great to teach to if you need advice/extra support. Just like you bf, your parents definitely won't think you're a failure! If anything, they will want to do whatever they can to support you also 🙂 

In regards to your interest levels, out of all my years of my uni degree, I definitely found the first one the least interesting! So DW, it won't all be this boring for you. Plus --- studying is SO different to actually working in the field 🙂 

Best of luck !