jamestg's first year

Well you're probably (not) wondering how things are going for me at university, and it has been a really mixed bag.

Socially it's been amazing. I've made lots of new friends, I really like my flatmates and I've tried new things as well as kept up others. Honestly this was the most anxious-ridden area of uni life, especially as it's so hyped up, but it's far exceeded expectations - especially since I put myself in clearing. Obviously I've done quite a few regretful and *****y things, but it's part of uni life and it's better to make mistakes now than later down the line.

However, my course is where things get a bit sticky. The workload is huge with many more contact hours than at my other uni choices and there are so many assignments to keep up with. They take so long, which isn't a problem, but it really dampens the mood and makes me question whether I chose the right course. The pace is also so quick I literally cannot catch up on my work and this week I've been ill so have missed quite a few lectures which worsens the situation.

I've considered dropping out/changing course, but I really want to stay with the people I've made friends with. I don't know if I'm overreacting, if people are merely suffering in silence, but I'm becoming increasingly concerned that I won't get at least a 2:1 which virtually renders the three years worthless.

I called my mum this evening about what I'm thinking and she said she's "disappointed" and would be "angry" if I dropped out.

I really, really, hope things get better but honestly I cannot see an avenue for things to get better or am I just having mid-term blues?

Well you're probably (not) wondering how things are going for me at university, and it has been a really mixed bag.

Socially it's been amazing. I've made lots of new friends, I really like my flatmates and I've tried new things as well as kept up others. Honestly this was the most anxious-ridden area of uni life, especially as it's so hyped up, but it's far exceeded expectations - especially since I put myself in clearing. Obviously I've done quite a few regretful and *****y things, but it's part of uni life and it's better to make mistakes now than later down the line.

However, my course is where things get a bit sticky. The workload is huge with many more contact hours than at my other uni choices and there are so many assignments to keep up with. They take so long, which isn't a problem, but it really dampens the mood and makes me question whether I chose the right course. The pace is also so quick I literally cannot catch up on my work and this week I've been ill so have missed quite a few lectures which worsens the situation.

I've considered dropping out/changing course, but I really want to stay with the people I've made friends with. I don't know if I'm overreacting, if people are merely suffering in silence, but I'm becoming increasingly concerned that I won't get at least a 2:1 which virtually renders the three years worthless.

I called my mum this evening about what I'm thinking and she said she's "disappointed" and would be "angry" if I dropped out.

I really, really, hope things get better but honestly I cannot see an avenue for things to get better or am I just having mid-term blues?

I think you should stick with it for now, you’re at the rough patch most people experience in the middle of the term. But if it does come to it, it should be your decision alone.

Assuming you went into clearing I’m guessing that you missed out on a place at an elite sort of uni (not a criticism this happens to many people I know, A Levels are tough man). Those unis do have less contact hours but the independent workload is through the roof, so I’m not trying to sound patronising but you’d probably struggle even more there (as most do), although maybe that style would suit you better.

I think it’s good to feel challenged, you got to rise to it. I’d say wait until you get your first exam results, around January, right? To see how you feel. You could even put a uni application in by that time just to see if you get any offers anyway.

However got my first results back, 90% in my stats assessment (30% of the module) and 90% in my algebra exam this morning! So things definitely have turned around!

My course is different to the one I was originally going to do at Durham. I was going to do straight Econ but I'm now doing maths and economics.

However got my first results back, 90% in my stats assessment (30% of the module) and 90% in my algebra exam this morning! So things definitely have turned around!

Well I got a solid 2.1 which I was pretty chuffed with, and firsts in stats and then econometrics!!

what is maths and economics like at uni? eg the workload, content, hows it taught, lectures seminars, and is there a lot of essay writing ?

Heavy workload, lots of contact hours and lots of content. I had 20hrs+ of contact most weeks and roughly 3/4 assignments per week.

The essays will depend on your course and what the Econ modules are like. My Econ modules for first year had no essays involved but from 2nd onwards for me there will be a couple per week. I did however have a maths essay to write, which was interesting to say the least...