Second year freak out

University of Huddersfield

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi guys
Any second years ?
I’m genuinely feeling so freaked out going into second year because all of a sudden your grades matter way more and I think I’m really gonna have to buckle down and know my stuff.
Is it just me feeling like this ?
Anyone got any advice for preparing to go into second year ?

Emily

Hey!

I remember this panic going into 2nd year but I can confidently say that it will all be fine. The biggest change for me was an increase in work load, for examples my essays in first year were 1500 words and 2nd year 3500. For me I just had to really knuckle down on scheduling my time, making sure I not only scheduled study time but also time to do things with friends and for myself. Also, make sure you are using your lecturers and academics, ask them question, see if they will read over essay plans etc. I found they were able to help me out a lot.

Also, make sure to have just as much fun in 2nd year as you did in first. It's all about balance!

Have a great time and remember to reach out for support if you need it!
Kat

Reply 3

Spelunker

21

I'm definitely feeling some anxiety for it. the increased work load and being scared I'm not going to understand the content :s-smilie:

Reply 4

Sorcerer's Storm

20

In terms of content difficulty I didn’t find second year that much of a jump. However, workload did indeed explode like the nuclear bomb in Oppenheimer. I went from having a relatively chill first year and then suddenly in second year on Mondays I had classes non-stop from 9 am to 5 pm. And I really mean that, the only break was walking from one lecture theatre to another and the 5 measly minutes they gave us in between a double lecture in which we had to wolf down our lunch at record speed. And the other days were very busy too. So I got really good at time management and whenever I had a free moment I’d be starting coursework or some other assignment whereas in first year I had more time to just chill during a free hour.

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 5

gjd800

20

I didn't notice much of a difference at all, nor was I particularly bothered by the grades or whatever.

But I was much older than most 2nd years and so had the benefit of experience and perspective. I also have an unwavering faith that I'd hammer out a first, so that helped.

Reply 6

University of Sunderland Student Ambassador

16

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi guys
Any second years ?
I’m genuinely feeling so freaked out going into second year because all of a sudden your grades matter way more and I think I’m really gonna have to buckle down and know my stuff.
Is it just me feeling like this ?
Anyone got any advice for preparing to go into second year ?

Emily

Emily,

I think the best way to think about second year is just to try and do your best.

I think if you focus too much on grades then you will give yourself extra stress, but if you just focus on just doing the best you can, then that will take some of the pressure off.

It is helpful to ask any questions you have about assessments and to familiarise yourself with the assessments early on, so you are clear on what needs to be done and when.

It also good to look at how things are graded and what they are looking for, so that you can pick up those marks rather than losing easy marks because of focusing on something that wasn't relevant to the assessment! Be clear on what you are being marked on.

This year, I found there was less time and more work and that it was just one thing after another, but you just have to try and keep your head down and keep going!

The year will fly by, you just have to roll with it!

All the best,

Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 7

11

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi guys
Any second years ?
I’m genuinely feeling so freaked out going into second year because all of a sudden your grades matter way more and I think I’m really gonna have to buckle down and know my stuff.
Is it just me feeling like this ?
Anyone got any advice for preparing to go into second year ?

Emily

Hello,

I'm also a second year student and I can't lie that I'm not feeling the same, I feel anxious and like a weight is on my shoulders not only will the grades matter more but the coursework will generally be tougher and bigger. Anyways, before the year starts there isn't much one could do except maybe read ahead any modules you know or be adequately prepped for next year and I mean from accommodation, clubs, part time jobs, have it all sorted. Just try to stay calm whenever those thoughts start to rise, have a time allocated for studying during the term, or anything you feel would make it more comfortable and easygoing. I believe the most important thing is to be surrounded by positive vibes, have fun with friends, take rest days or time off to chill. Take very good care of health and avoid having a burnout and don't worry, you're not alone.

Benedicta,
Digital ambassador-UoS

Reply 8

OP

Original post by cheadle

People's reactions to 2nd year can be quite different. It also depends on the weighting of the 2nd year marks. On traditional humanities type degrees, it's usually worth 25% or thereabouts. For some, it can be a bit of a slump year between first and third. This feeling that you're having now is much more typical as people enter L6 where the weighting is much greater.
If you're on a course where L5 is worth 25%, then, yes, marks start to matter but it's also a chance to work out what you want to specialise in, so a bit of trial and error should be possible. Just be attentive to assessments and make sure to have a giant laminated wall calendar where everything is plotted and you can work steadily at your own pace.

Hi there @cheadle
Brilliant advice thank you

Reply 9

OP

Original post by University of Sunderland Student Ambassador

Hello,

I'm also a second year student and I can't lie that I'm not feeling the same, I feel anxious and like a weight is on my shoulders not only will the grades matter more but the coursework will generally be tougher and bigger. Anyways, before the year starts there isn't much one could do except maybe read ahead any modules you know or be adequately prepped for next year and I mean from accommodation, clubs, part time jobs, have it all sorted. Just try to stay calm whenever those thoughts start to rise, have a time allocated for studying during the term, or anything you feel would make it more comfortable and easygoing. I believe the most important thing is to be surrounded by positive vibes, have fun with friends, take rest days or time off to chill. Take very good care of health and avoid having a burnout and don't worry, you're not alone.

Benedicta,
Digital ambassador-UoS

Hi there,
such lovely advice thank you
have you just finished second year or about to go into it?
best wishes
Emily

Reply 10

OP

University of Huddersfield

Original post by University of Huddersfield

Emily,

I think the best way to think about second year is just to try and do your best.

I think if you focus too much on grades then you will give yourself extra stress, but if you just focus on just doing the best you can, then that will take some of the pressure off.

It is helpful to ask any questions you have about assessments and to familiarise yourself with the assessments early on, so you are clear on what needs to be done and when.

It also good to look at how things are graded and what they are looking for, so that you can pick up those marks rather than losing easy marks because of focusing on something that wasn't relevant to the assessment! Be clear on what you are being marked on.

This year, I found there was less time and more work and that it was just one thing after another, but you just have to try and keep your head down and keep going!

The year will fly by, you just have to roll with it!

All the best,

Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield

Hi there
Fab advice thanks. What course are you doing?
Emily

Hi Emily,

I have just finished my second year and to be honest I just tried not to dwell about it too much and just focus on each task ahead, rather than thinking about the whole year and the marks its worth, and just tried my best for each assignment. The work load increased quite alot, so I would say staying organised is my best piece of advice, write down all your commitments for the week, and schedule in time to do assignments. I don't think the assignments were necessarily harder than 1st year, there was just more of them.

Good luck going into second year, you will do really well if you just try your best.

Victoria
- Wrexham Uni Rep

Reply 12

Lancaster Student Ambassador

16

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi there
Fab advice thanks. What course are you doing?
Emily

Podiatry.

Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi guys
Any second years ?
I’m genuinely feeling so freaked out going into second year because all of a sudden your grades matter way more and I think I’m really gonna have to buckle down and know my stuff.
Is it just me feeling like this ?
Anyone got any advice for preparing to go into second year ?

Emily

Hi Emily,

I've just finished my second year studying geography, and I can definitely say that what you're feeling is valid! I was a lot more nervous going into second year, but having come out the other side, I don't think it was as bad as I originally thought!

My advice would be to prepare well. Have all of your notes and assignments from first year organized and accessible so you can refer back to them if you need to. Make a note of all of the assignment deadlines as soon as you can, and start them in good time (they are typically longer essays than you had to write in first year, and a few more of them). It is also important to make sure you know where to go if you need help, and don't be afraid to ask! Staff and lecturers are there to support you, so take advantage of the services they have! I have found that they are incredibly willing and able to give you extra support and/or send you resources if you're having trouble understanding something.

I would also recommend scheduling some time into each day/week for yourself. It can be overwhelming once the work and lectures start to ramp up, so it is incredibly important to be able to take a break from university and have other things to focus on, such as sports, societies, volunteering, or just general 'me time'!

Good luck, and I hope this helps!
Isabella

Reply 14

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi guys
Any second years ?
I’m genuinely feeling so freaked out going into second year because all of a sudden your grades matter way more and I think I’m really gonna have to buckle down and know my stuff.
Is it just me feeling like this ?
Anyone got any advice for preparing to go into second year ?

Emily

Hiya!

I've just finished my second-year studying chemistry but this time last year I was also very nervous! Second-year was a big jump for me because the amount of deadlines and contact hours both seemed to increase but once you get used to it and get into the flow of it, it makes things seem a bit easier.

Going into third year I feel a bit more confident but this is what I wish had done more last year.

Reflect on First Year: Take some time to reflect on your experiences in your first year. Identify what worked well for you and what areas you could improve upon. Use this to set goals for your second year.
Organise and Plan: The workload might increase in the second year, so effective organisation and time management are key. I bought an academic planner to keep track of everything and it worked so well for me.
Review and Recap: Before your second year begins, it can be helpful to review and recap the key concepts from your first year. This will provide a solid foundation for the more advanced topics you'll encounter.
Stay Engaged: Actively participate in lectures, seminars, and workshops. Engaging with the material and asking questions will enhance your understanding and help you remember the content better.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification from your lecturers and peers. If you're struggling with a concept, chances are others might be too, and discussing it can be beneficial for everyone.
Stay Balanced: While academics are important, don't forget to take care of your well-being. Make time for hobbies, exercise, socialising, and relaxation to maintain a healthy balance.
Use Resources: Take advantage of all available resources, such as libraries, online databases, study groups, and tutoring services. These can provide valuable support and knowledge when you encounter challenging topics.

Good luck
-Beth (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 15

OP

University of Huddersfield

Original post by University of Huddersfield

Podiatry.

Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield

Hi there
nice
how are you finding it ?
Is there lots of anatomy and science in that subject ?
Emily

Reply 16

16

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi there
nice
how are you finding it ?
Is there lots of anatomy and science in that subject ?
Emily

I really like the course. There is a lot to learn. Yes, anatomy and physiology.

It's great to treat patients and to put the learning into practice.

What are you studying?

Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi guys
Any second years ?
I’m genuinely feeling so freaked out going into second year because all of a sudden your grades matter way more and I think I’m really gonna have to buckle down and know my stuff.
Is it just me feeling like this ?
Anyone got any advice for preparing to go into second year ?

Emily

Hey Emily,

I just finished my second year and it was a pretty good year! It's great to be so settled into university after the first year and to be familiar with what's required from you on your course.

Although lot is said about second year that can put you on edge, so long as you have some good friends, I'm sure that it will be a blast!

All the best,
Jaz - Cardiff student rep

Original post by Manchester Met - Student Rep

Hi guys
Any second years ?
I’m genuinely feeling so freaked out going into second year because all of a sudden your grades matter way more and I think I’m really gonna have to buckle down and know my stuff.
Is it just me feeling like this ?
Anyone got any advice for preparing to go into second year ?

Emily

Hi there

I have just finished second year, and I remember feeling quite anxious at the start of the year too.

For my University, first year results did not count at all, so the pressure was really on second and third year studies.

My way of dealing with this was to plan out all the assignment deadlines I had, bearing in mind how much weight to give to each of them. By having a deadline in mind, I could plan my time better, this would allow me to complete work to a better standard.

For second year, whilst you do have to put effort in and study hard, do not neglect your work-life balance, remember to enjoy the University experience overall. Work and rest when you need to will really help getting through second year.

I was slightly unfortunate in that the modules in my first term were slightly harder, so my results were not that good. One advice is not to panic or over stress. It is important not to get beaten down if things do not go as planned in first term, and keep putting in effort consistently throughout the remaining year.

After I finished second year, I would say it really is not as bad as I first imagined it to be. Just give it your best and I'm sure things will turn out fine.

Hope this helps.
Chloe
-University of Kent Student Rep

Reply 19

OP