I am a student of Architecture in the UK still completing her undergraduate degree.
My first year of university went relatively well, regarding that I needed time to adjust to a new place and environment as well as work part time.
I was determined to work hard in my second and third year in order to achieve high results as the industry is highly competitive. The first semester went really well, I was passionate about the work I was doing and feeling that I was in my element.
Then depression hit me. My mood was getting worse every day, I found it hard to concentrate. The tutors advised me to see the counsellor but I didn't do it because I thought I could get better very soon. Eventually I managed to complete all the modules with marks at 50-68%.
However, I was not getting any better. My mood was low and my family back home had issues which added more stress to my university life. The third year came, and I was still not getting any help. I passed the first semester with 60-70%.
I got much worse in the second semester. I could not focus on the simplest tasks and did not finish any work on time. I did not submit one of the assignments and I failed another one, then did not re-submit. Then I failed the year.
Despite my tutor's suggestion and support, I did not apply for Mitigating Circumstances on time. Also, I did not see the counsellor or a psychiatrist until very lately (June/July) to get help.
Now I feel that my money/career has been wasted. The portfolio of work as well as written work which I have produced does not reflect my true abilities, nor is it of good quality. I can repeat the final semester next year so there is a chance of improving the portfolio, however my grade will be capped at 40% which can make it hard to get into Master's.
I have received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and I think I may have a borderline personality disorder. However, looking at my lifestyle over the years, I think I can create a structure which helps me stay motivated. Plus, I am going to take meds and possibly do a therapy.
I know it can come across as being lazy and possibly that's how the academic environment would see me.
Now I really care about my work and career. I see where I made mistakes. I really need to get a second chance.
Has anyone repeated their final year? My case is almost impossible as I have submitted all the assignments which means I was fit to sit. I was also not seeing a counsellor at the right time (1,5 years ago) to focus on recovery or submit an MC claim. Ideally, I would repeat 1,5 year but I don't think I have ever heard of such case..
If I can forget about repeating, what could be other possibilities? The course is really something I enjoy, I was just not dealing with my mental health well...