Struggle on, or start a fresh?

Question

Right so I'm at uni, about to finish 2nd yr, I'm not enjoying it at all. I think I'm failing the course and haven't got the motivation to do any of the work I'm so far behind on. I'm really temted to quit, because it feels like such a waste of time, but don't know what I'd do if I did, and am sure that I'd regret it soon after I had. Should I try and struggle on or just quit and try something else, if so what? (any motivational speech's would also be much appreciated!)

The thing is one of the worst things is I'm not getting the full uni experiance, my uni pals are lovely but none of them drink and I haven't been out here since before christmas!! and I'm working five day's a week which takes any spare time I might of had. (Oh my god! I sound so pathetic you're right I need to get over it and get something done!!)

Answer 1

while at uni one of my lecturers advised the whole class, anything above a pass is a waste of time and energy... all you need is a pass.. and that is so true.. of course it feels nie to get better than a pass but honestly you end up with the same degree whether you did with credits or with passes.

Wile working through overdue work take the attitude that you eed to complete it and get it in for a pass

If you are studying four units and you know you cant possibly handle them all then drop one unit.. you can go back and finish that unit next semester. It will take a little longer to get your degree but you will get it if you complete all the units eventually.

make sure that all overdue or nearly due assignments are your number one priority. dont fuss around trying to get best marks in the class or anything just get it finished, submitted and make a pass. Give your tutors and lecturers what they ask for but no more.

know what time of day your mind works best. Most people are more attentive in the mornings so if that is the case with you get up an hour earlier every day and do some assignment work every single morning of the week. I find I get twice as much done in a singe hour in the morning than in two hours in the evening..If you have a lecture in the morning and then an hour or so break before your tutorial then spend that time in the uni library working on your assignments.

if you catch a bus or train to uni then use your traveltime for reading.

Any presentations you need to make keep them short sharp to the point but do include the necessary items.

on the other hand quitting is easy... you just quit, and walk away... and forever after wonder how well you would have done if you had of stayed and made it past the hump... wow "almost finished seond year"..... that doesnt sound quite as good on a resume as "achieved a degree"... If you've almost finished second year that means you have a break coming up.... get through the rest of this year,,,, finish it.. then take the break you need and do some fun stuff during the break... then come back knowing you have made it past that hump... the rest is down hill.. you are well on the way to a degree..

Answer 2

i think it depends how long your course is. if it's only a three year course i think you'd be wise to carry on for the remainder of the course and get a degree.

if you 'drop out' now then i don't think this will look good to potential employees in the future but if you stick it out and get a degree (even if the degree is not relevant to a chosen future career) it will be a stepping stone to a great job that you enjoy. also, if you drop out now-wouldn't the past two years have been a waste of so much time and money?

i think if you can stick with the second year and work hard just for a few more months then you will have summer away from uni and third year will be like a 'fresh start' in a way as everyone is level in terms of work. perhaps, try cutting down work hours as this may help you focus more on your studies.

in terms of mates, if they don't drink there are plenty of other things you can do without having to drink such as going to a comedy club, bowling, the cinema or you could even join a society or club to meet more like minded people.

i know things are hard, but just give it this final push in your second year and you will have a nice break over summer away from uni and hopefully, come back to uni all motivated and ready for your final year.

hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 3

NO ! You are not a quitter, never have been and not about to give in are you?
OK you are behind with your work, I know this is hard and daunting BUT
How do you eat an elephant?
Easy peasy, one bite at a time !!

So, the Easter break is here. Sit down and assess what work needs doing.
Prioritise and then make a timetable.

You then need a reward system. 2 hours work, half hour break.
Once you have completed an assignment you have a big reward, night out, shopping, or something you really enjoy.
By doing the tasks in little `bites` you will soon be back on top.
When you get your degree and earn lots of money you can buy the cakes, mines a cream slice please.
Onward and upward, I know you can do it.

Answer 4

Stick with it! Lots of students find their 2nd year at uni something of a struggle as the newness and excitement of being a 1st year student has usually worn off. Your 3rd year will be dominated by work towards finals and go so fast you won't believe.
If you think you are failing your course then talk to your tutors and find out a - whether you actually are or not and b get some advice on making better use of your study time in order to catch up and improve.
A degree isn't the be all and end all in life but you're almost two-thirds of the way through your course, so stay with it if you can.
And Good Luck!

Answer 5

This year IS the toughest year, but I'm with the first poster. I took time off after 2nd year, it was too long, hard a hard time recovering and wound up graduating after marriage and having a child. A lot of what you do depends on your support system, whether or not you have any money, who's paying for your schooling, things you don't say. Take an inventory, don't beat yourself up over past mistakes, make a definitive decision and act on it. If you decide to go on, talk to the professors and make a plan to pass everything. Not a bad idea even if you decide you might like time off; Fs always look bad.

Answer 6

If you dont fail the second year then see it through then make a decision.. .you dont want to be in the same place 2 years later when you switch but you could have a degree under your belt and make a change for you MA or just go and get a job in a different area... See this as an excerise in being able to complete something despite difficult hurdles...

Answer 7

We all feel like this from time to time, I felt it myself last week, remind yourself why you are doing this in the first place, you can do it, it will all fall into place soon, you are nearly there now anyway,what a waste if you don't finish, when you have finished you will have much better prospects even if you change your mind, at least if you decide to be a cleaner or checkout operative the choice will be yours rather than being out of necessity.

Answer 8

That's why they call it the sophomore slump! Suck it up and get it together. Remember that any screw-ups now might haunt your transcript forever....especially in an such a competitive era.

Quit worrying about going out and getting drunk...or lack of getting drunk...The full university experience includes getting that degree...not how many parties you attended.

Answer 9

If you are really unhappy in the course you are doing theres not much point going on. Life is too short to be so unhappy so change the course and do something that will excite and motivate you. Good luck

Answer 10

You didn't mention if you had chosen a major. It is OK to switch majors. I did three times before I found something that I really enjoyed. I would stick with it. Education is something that no one can take away from you.