The Student Room Group

I hate college

I just recently started college after an uneventful summer and thought I would really enjoy it. I struggle with anxiety so I knew the first few days would seem quite daunting, but I figured that I would settle in and begin to enjoy it after a while.

However this didn't happen, and now even the thought of college makes me want to curl up in a ball and cry. I took Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Psychology - believing that I wanted to pursue Physics in the future - but the only subject I'm actually enjoying at the moment is Psychology, which I wasn't even considering continuing after A-levels. I've suddenly realised that I have no idea what I want to do in future but am being forced to decide now, and I just don't know what to do.

I loved most of high school and was always an excellent student, but now I struggle not to cry in lessons and have even considered skipping class because I dread it so much. I have zero motivation to study outside of class and am therefore falling behind after just a couple of weeks.

I think I might be depressed so I'm going to the doctors soon, but I also have no idea how to tell my parents or my college. I struggle to even see my high school friends anymore because of our differing timetables and other friends that they've made. My classmates all seem friendly but i just can't seem to start any meaningful, enjoyable conversations with them.

I have no clue what I should do: should I drop or switch a subject to something new (I hate Further Maths and my Physics teacher) or should I stick it out to see if I still dislike them when my mental health improves? Heeeelp!

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1
Original post by HollyRachel
I just recently started college after an uneventful summer and thought I would really enjoy it. I struggle with anxiety so I knew the first few days would seem quite daunting, but I figured that I would settle in and begin to enjoy it after a while.

However this didn't happen, and now even the thought of college makes me want to curl up in a ball and cry. I took Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Psychology - believing that I wanted to pursue Physics in the future - but the only subject I'm actually enjoying at the moment is Psychology, which I wasn't even considering continuing after A-levels. I've suddenly realised that I have no idea what I want to do in future but am being forced to decide now, and I just don't know what to do.

I loved most of high school and was always an excellent student, but now I struggle not to cry in lessons and have even considered skipping class because I dread it so much. I have zero motivation to study outside of class and am therefore falling behind after just a couple of weeks.

I think I might be depressed so I'm going to the doctors soon, but I also have no idea how to tell my parents or my college. I struggle to even see my high school friends anymore because of our differing timetables and other friends that they've made. My classmates all seem friendly but i just can't seem to start any meaningful, enjoyable conversations with them.

I have no clue what I should do: should I drop or switch a subject to something new (I hate Further Maths and my Physics teacher) or should I stick it out to see if I still dislike them when my mental health improves? Heeeelp!


Honestly I've been in the same situation, I would have panic attacks in class etc, which forced me to drop out of high school entirely. From experience now I would just say you should push through it no matter what. Education (in the majority of cases) is the key to success in life, and it's hard to get back into it when you're older. Luckily I'm going to college now but I was certainly a top student but my anxiety/depression held me back, and I truly regret that now. Don't do what I did and drop out, it's the biggest mistake you can make. You can do it. Just push through it, and down the line you will see that it was all worth it. I hope this helps :smile: you can do it!
(edited 6 years ago)
Original post by Xopher_
Education (in the majority of cases) is the key to success in life


Wrong, totally and utterly. What about people who have never gone to uni but have experienced great fame and monetary success through their business acumen, talents etc. What defines "success"? Education is there for the masses, but experience can only be gleaned in the marketplace.
I'm really no doctor or anything but what is it that makes you want to cry??? is it the fact that you want to change levels (because I'm sure you can still do that if you are just starting year 12). Trust me all my mates have written their personal statements and i am stressing over what course i want to do swell! I wish i picked FM last year so i could apply to maths for uni. Or is it the fact you don't see your friends?? Do you sit with them at lunch? walk home with them? maybe you could go round to a friends house after school. also maybe talk about this to your close friends and tell them how you are feeling. maybe they will be supportive!

but if you don't like a subject then you will find it very hard to motivate yourself to study in it and do well. Also you should talk to your parents. at the beginning of sixth form i hated it but i told my mum and she was there for me
I would go as far as to call myself academically gifted, but external factors thwarted my education (and any subsequent gainful employment thereafter) mainly because I had an illness that was never acknowledged of diagnosed, at least you know what you have OP, or think you know what you have, so if you so get good grades and go on to uni then you can kick on from there.
talk to your parents/teachers about . I think what's important is that at the end of the day you should find yourself doing something you enjoy, if you're not enjoying maths and/or physics then there's not much point you taking it because it will affect your overall grade . Check out the college website and look at other courses that may interest you . Your college is there to support you so don't be afraid of speaking up , they will try to support you as much as possible , hope this helped
Reply 6
Original post by Danny the Geezer
Wrong, totally and utterly. What about people who have never gone to uni but have experienced great fame and monetary success through their business acumen, talents etc. What defines "success"? Education is there for the masses, but experience can only be gleaned in the marketplace.


I'm just saying, coming from experience, there is no point in giving up your education because of mental health issues, especially when you have potential.

Regarding success without qualifications, you have to get damn lucky in order to get your foot in the door anywhere. You cannot solely rely on luck to get you started in the world. Sure some people can do it because they have the know how, but in most cases education is the best route because it is a solid foundation to a future income.

I'm not saying you can't get anywhere with 0 qualifications because you can, but it is definitely not something I would want to rely on. You never see the unsuccessful self employed people, you only see the people who make **** loads of money from it, which is what makes it sound like a realistic option to choose.

It's a lot harder to make money without qualifications.
(edited 6 years ago)
Reply 7
Original post by jarjarbinkss
I'm really no doctor or anything but what is it that makes you want to cry??? is it the fact that you want to change levels (because I'm sure you can still do that if you are just starting year 12). Trust me all my mates have written their personal statements and i am stressing over what course i want to do swell! I wish i picked FM last year so i could apply to maths for uni. Or is it the fact you don't see your friends?? Do you sit with them at lunch? walk home with them? maybe you could go round to a friends house after school. also maybe talk about this to your close friends and tell them how you are feeling. maybe they will be supportive!

but if you don't like a subject then you will find it very hard to motivate yourself to study in it and do well. Also you should talk to your parents. at the beginning of sixth form i hated it but i told my mum and she was there for me


That's one of the problems! I'm not too sure what causes it specifically.

Certain lessons definitely trigger it, for example when I don't understand something further maths, but now even when I do understand everything I still feel overwhelmed for some reason. I definitely think it's some underlying mental health issue that's making me emotional, which is why I'm seeing a doctor and my PT about it.

After telling my family they were very supportive about it (especially my sister who's also suffered with depression and understands what I'm going through), I just need to work up to telling all my friends instead of just the one.
Reply 8
Original post by Danny the Geezer
I would go as far as to call myself academically gifted, but external factors thwarted my education (and any subsequent gainful employment thereafter) mainly because I had an illness that was never acknowledged of diagnosed, at least you know what you have OP, or think you know what you have, so if you so get good grades and go on to uni then you can kick on from there.


I definitely want to continue with college, I'm not sure what I'm really good at outside of academic subjects! I think I just need to figure out whether it's the subject I don't enjoy or the teaching style.
Reply 9
Original post by Xopher_
I'm just saying, coming from experience, there is no point in giving up your education because of mental health issues, especially when you have potential.

Regarding success without qualifications, you have to get damn lucky in order to get your foot in the door anywhere. You cannot solely rely on luck to get you started in the world. Sure some people can do it because they have the know how, but in most cases education is the best route because it is a solid foundation to a future income.

I'm not saying you can't get anywhere with 0 qualifications because you can, but it is definitely not something I would want to rely on. You never see the unsuccessful self employed people, you only see the people who make **** loads of money from it, which is what makes it sound like a realistic option to choose.

It's a lot harder to make money without qualifications.


I'm almost certain I want to go to uni and get a degree, it's just what in that I'm not sure about. For so long I told people I wanted to be a physicist because it was just something that I was interested in, but so far I've really enjoyed psychology above all else.

Luckily I have a close family friend who's currently studying for their Psychology PhD who I can go to for advice, so maybe it's a potential career option!
Original post by Ray_Shadows
talk to your parents/teachers about . I think what's important is that at the end of the day you should find yourself doing something you enjoy, if you're not enjoying maths and/or physics then there's not much point you taking it because it will affect your overall grade . Check out the college website and look at other courses that may interest you . Your college is there to support you so don't be afraid of speaking up , they will try to support you as much as possible , hope this helped


Definitely helped, my mum and sister have been very supportive so far and from what I've seen I have a nice PT who told me that unis only actually look at 3 of your results so there's no point even taking a 4th if it's going to worsen your grades.
Hello there!

You shouldn't force yourself to do something if it makes you miserable! It doesn't matter whether your interests change as that's what often happens as you get older! Following your passions will make you far happier in the long run than just sticking with something you hate! I'm like you, just starting year 12, really considering their options, feeling daughnted to go into school and hating that I've been forced to specialise at a young age when I may end up regretting what I've picked later, but we're still young with our whole futures ahead of us! It's fantastic that you spoke to your family about this as keeping serious issues hidden from them will only make you feel worse. I've checked with my careers advisor and I don't think you need further maths to apply for most physics courses as to apply for a physics course to Oxford, you only need maths and physics, but an A* in either of those and two As! Cambridge also doesn't require further marsh to apply to a physics course within their natural science courses, but you will need physics and maths!You don't even need further maths to apply for physics at Imperial college! I would suggest perhaps asking whether you canbe taught by a different physics teacher or even getting a physics tutor! Definetly continue with psychology if it's what you love as good grades in A-Level Maths, Physics and Psycology will get you extremely far! Please try and socialise with the other students at your college as they are only trying to get to know you and you have the chance to make many great friendships if you just embrace it! Maybe your school runs functions like societies outside of A-Levels that you could sue to leaner new skills and meet knew people! I really hope your college situation becomes better and everything works out fine for you! Have an amazing future!
Original post by HollyRachel
Definitely helped, my mum and sister have been very supportive so far and from what I've seen I have a nice PT who told me that unis only actually look at 3 of your results so there's no point even taking a 4th if it's going to worsen your grades.


that's good news , if you were sticking with those subjects i would suggest dropping further maths cause imo it is quite unnecessary
Original post by Danny the Geezer
Wrong, totally and utterly. What about people who have never gone to uni but have experienced great fame and monetary success through their business acumen, talents etc. What defines "success"? Education is there for the masses, but experience can only be gleaned in the marketplace.


Well, the thing is... everything isn't about talent these days. Just talent isn't enough. You can't wake up one day and expect to be a millionaire.
Original post by Xopher_
I'm just saying, coming from experience, there is no point in giving up your education because of mental health issues, especially when you have potential.


Yes, definitely, I can't help but think if I'd been compliant with medication/had the right support/had a better childhood/had more preparation/been more mature/had more insight than I would have graduated with a good degree (which I'd worked on so much to get on) you're doing the right things, you're acknowledging your problems OP, I'd say seek help ASAP, don't be shy of that, or ashamed, or anything. You're still young, if you have the academic potential don't let yourself be thwarted :smile:


Original post by Xopher_

Regarding success without qualifications, you have to get damn lucky in order to get your foot in the door anywhere. You cannot solely rely on luck to get you started in the world. Sure some people can do it because they have the know how, but in most cases education is the best route because it is a solid foundation to a future income.



There are plenty of people who started as apprentices and are now MDs and Chief Execs. It also depends on your degree, I would say there are more "useless" degrees out there, which are largely a gimmick by institutions to procure 9k a year out of students, than there are useful degrees. In fact, if I were PM (no, when I am :smug) I will scrap most degrees bar maybe medicine/vet med, law, English (as this is obviously useful - and create more apprencticeships for school leavers who aren't spoonfed this nonsense that university is a surefire way of getting a deream job, so that you are earning whilst you're learning, you're not paying through the nose, and aren't conned into studying Disney Studies at Towchester Polytechnic.




Original post by Xopher_

I'm not saying you can't get anywhere with 0 qualifications because you can, but it is definitely not something I would want to rely on. You never see the unsuccessful self employed people, you only see the people who make **** loads of money from it, which is what makes it sound like a realistic option to choose.


Also, here you're making the mistake that a lot of people make, that success is measured by money alone. I know of (not know personally, but know of) several multi millionaires (who didn't go to uni incidentally) who have all the cash and are unhappy through various life situations. Money doesn't make you successful, neccessafrily, nor does it buy you guaranteed happiness. (although a moderate amount is enough to alleviate stress and therefore make you happy)


Original post by Xopher_

It's a lot harder to make money without qualifications.


No it's not.

I said in my initial post you can become a self made millionaire and never go to university, in fact the vast majority of self-made millionaires in the UK probably never went.
(edited 6 years ago)
Original post by HollyRachel
I just recently started college after an uneventful summer and thought I would really enjoy it. I struggle with anxiety so I knew the first few days would seem quite daunting, but I figured that I would settle in and begin to enjoy it after a while.

However this didn't happen, and now even the thought of college makes me want to curl up in a ball and cry. I took Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Psychology - believing that I wanted to pursue Physics in the future - but the only subject I'm actually enjoying at the moment is Psychology, which I wasn't even considering continuing after A-levels. I've suddenly realised that I have no idea what I want to do in future but am being forced to decide now, and I just don't know what to do.

I loved most of high school and was always an excellent student, but now I struggle not to cry in lessons and have even considered skipping class because I dread it so much. I have zero motivation to study outside of class and am therefore falling behind after just a couple of weeks.

I think I might be depressed so I'm going to the doctors soon, but I also have no idea how to tell my parents or my college. I struggle to even see my high school friends anymore because of our differing timetables and other friends that they've made. My classmates all seem friendly but i just can't seem to start any meaningful, enjoyable conversations with them.

I have no clue what I should do: should I drop or switch a subject to something new (I hate Further Maths and my Physics teacher) or should I stick it out to see if I still dislike them when my mental health improves? Heeeelp!


Surprisingly a lot of people are struggling with sixth form. So you're not the only one. 😊
Reply 16
I am in the "same boat" as you, as I take Maths, Further Maths and Physics for A-Level and I am absoloutley hating it, and I feel depressed, and can't tell anyone about it so I am considering dropping out of A Levels
Original post by HollyRachel
I just recently started college after an uneventful summer and thought I would really enjoy it. I struggle with anxiety so I knew the first few days would seem quite daunting, but I figured that I would settle in and begin to enjoy it after a while.

However this didn't happen, and now even the thought of college makes me want to curl up in a ball and cry. I took Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Psychology - believing that I wanted to pursue Physics in the future - but the only subject I'm actually enjoying at the moment is Psychology, which I wasn't even considering continuing after A-levels. I've suddenly realised that I have no idea what I want to do in future but am being forced to decide now, and I just don't know what to do.

I loved most of high school and was always an excellent student, but now I struggle not to cry in lessons and have even considered skipping class because I dread it so much. I have zero motivation to study outside of class and am therefore falling behind after just a couple of weeks.

I think I might be depressed so I'm going to the doctors soon, but I also have no idea how to tell my parents or my college. I struggle to even see my high school friends anymore because of our differing timetables and other friends that they've made. My classmates all seem friendly but i just can't seem to start any meaningful, enjoyable conversations with them.

I have no clue what I should do: should I drop or switch a subject to something new (I hate Further Maths and my Physics teacher) or should I stick it out to see if I still dislike them when my mental health improves? Heeeelp!


I'm a simple dude. I like cartoons, I apply for Animation course, I get it. Do what you like. That's the only advice I will give you. Do what makes you happy.
Hi all! To be totally honest this is the first time I've logged in since way before Christmas and I didn't even remember making this thread. Just in case anyone wanted an update, I never actually told my parents but instead my mum found me crying in my room over homework one night (just one of many occasions I did this) and took me to see the doctor about my depression. This was the best choice I could have made as he really helped me to understand why I was feeling that way and what I could do in regards to college to help. I talked through it with my PT and mum and together we devised a new timetable (dropped Further Maths and changed Physics to a different block so I would be with my friends more often) which massively helped with the stress of college.

For anyone else in this situation, I would hugely suggest speaking to a doctor, especially if you've been depressed for a long time and aren't getting any better. Talking to your PT (if you have one) and possibly a career adviser at college will definitely help as well as you can decrease your workload and better understand what you want to do in future or at least which subjects you enjoy. Never continue a subject that you hate just because you feel obligated to do so; stopping doesn't make you a failure, it just makes you sane! After doing this I'm actually enjoying college now: I've made new friends, can actually cope with my workload now and am only feeling the same amount of stress as everyone else experiences.

Thanks everyone for your replies, and 100% speak to someone if you're feeling depressed/stressed/anxious!
Original post by Danny the Geezer
Wrong, totally and utterly. What about people who have never gone to uni but have experienced great fame and monetary success through their business acumen, talents etc. What defines "success"? Education is there for the masses, but experience can only be gleaned in the marketplace.


Depends what he meant. If he meant education in the public school system/higher education then he is wrong. If he meant education regardless of how you got it, he is correct

Quick Reply

Latest