What do I do... I'm falling behind?

Question

I’m a college student, and I am getting sooo much homework that it is just piling up on me. Whenever I try to focus on my homework, I just get too overwhelmed and I can't work or focus. I just get nowhere, and then I get even more homework added on. I really want to do well, but I am falling behind, and it is making me feel really depressed. What do I do?

Answer 1

Hi honey!

Oh I know this feeling so very well. I know it seems like you have far too much work to contend with but your tutors won't give you more than you should be able to cope with.

When I feel overwhelmed by it all, I stop and have a rest. Then I go back to my work and sort out exactly what it is I have to do so it is all there in front of me. Then I prioritize each piece of work by deadline. Once you have done this, you should be able to see a clear scheme of work for yourself (it may still seem daunting if the list is huge!).

The idea is just to focus on what it is you are doing at that moment instead of thinking "OMG so much work, I'll never manage it all" and then panicking! If you know that you have ordered all your pieces of work by deadline then you don't have to worry about IT ALL at once. It will all get done but focus on one at a time!

Good luck! I did this last year and it helped me to gain a 2:1 on my Foundation Degree!

Answer 2

Try not to focus on EVERYTHING you have to do. Instead, focus on whatever is due next. Think about that, and only that.

One big thing I've noticed in dorms is that there are just WAY too many distractions. See if you can find a quiet place on campus, free of distractions, but where you still have good access to a bathroom or a quick drink of water if the need arises.

Also, ask yourself if this has ever happened to you before. If you were easily able to keep up in high school, this could have something to do with time management. Keep a journal of how you spend your time each day, and see if you really think you are spending enough time on homework. I know this sounds unrealistic, but a good rule of thumb is to spend AT LEAST an hour on homework outside of class for each hour in class, if not two hours.

Last...you may want to check with Student Services at your school to see what help is available. My cousin discovered after her freshman year of college (in which she did much more poorly than she EVER had before) that she had a learning disability. In high school, the work had always just been so easy that she was able to compensate, but in college it became a problem.

Whether you have a learning disability or you are just having a hard time with college classes, there ARE people at your school who want to help you. By all means, ask for help. Ask your professors, ask your advisor, ask people in your dorm. Ask until you find the help you need.

Answer 3

Try to remember that panic = failure.

Sit in the front of every class.

Try exercising to calm yourself down (if you can you can walk a treadmill while reading).

Forming a study group is very helpful. Once for a math class (I didn't know anybody in the class) I stood up after class at my seat & said aloud "does anybody want to get together to do the homework?" Ended up being 5 of us, we took turns bringing snacks, it was fun--got a B+ (otherwise I may not have passed).

Meet with your teachers a week before every exam. Sometimes they give hints about what will be on the exam that weren't shared with the class. Sometimes they provide more precise direction about what to concentrate on. And.....smoozing with the teacher never hurts.

Check out free tutoring at your school. DO NOT be embarassed to ask for help. For example, if there's a writing center get somebody to look over your papers before you turn them in (sometimes you can even submit them electronically). If there's a math tutoring department they will review your homework with you. Sometimes you go over and over a problem, but if someone shows you, you've got it.

Answer 4

Try studying with a friend. Just make sure if it looks like you're nowhere near passing to discuss possibly withdrawing from that class.

Answer 5

I write a list of each assignment that is due. I just start at the top and work my way down and cross each one off as I do it. I put on headphones (I also work alone in my room so there are no distractions), turn off my phone, and start working. List them in order of importance (probably due dates).

Answer 6

you need to take a break over the weekend and do no studies for a day