Feeling Unhappy

So it's now two weeks into the term. Freshers' is over and the real work should have begun. The problem is i'm really not feeling happy at times here at Warwick; the problem for me is the course and the atmosphere around the university.

I'm doing PAIS, and from what i've gathered it has one of the fewest contact hours for the UG degrees. So far, i've had three lectures and seminars a week, and i've just started my option module. I really enjoy the subject and i'm finding the lectures (when I have them) fascinating. I knew when I applied that there would be so little contact hours, but it's really getting to me. The day's feel empty: there's no pressure and very little set work. I'm finding the whole change from school to uni quite difficult; I thought being an IB student I wouldn't have a problem managing my time, but I have so little to do. I think i'm the kind of person that needs some pressure - something to work towards/at - to keep me going. I feel like i'm falling into a black hole of procrastination that will be difficult to get out of.

Also, i'm finding the lack of bustle around the campus, especially at weekends quite saddening. I really like the atmosphere of cities - the noise, the places and excitement - where something is always going on. It feels like i'm stuck in a 'warwick campus bubble'. I'm starting to question why I chose Warwick in the end and regretting not choosing a city university - not that worrying about the past can do anything apart from making me feel worse. I was so excited about going to university three weeks ago and couldn't wait to arrive, things have changed quite quickly.

I know this comes accros as a winey post, but it would be nice to know that i'm not the only one feeling this way, or maybe others have found the work and pressure suddenly stepped up and things improved.

Woah. It's crazy. I feel exactly as you do, although I do like the small amount of contact hours. I was also pretty excited to get here and I'm kinda worried about how my mood has been dipping significantly. I was actually saying to my boyfriend the other day that I have yet to have a 'happy moment' here at Warwick so I really do know how you feel. Please accept my virtual hug!

I have problems with the atmosphere/environment rather than the course. I really miss the bustle of the city (I come from London so I'm very much a city girl). I miss the feeling of being a nobody in a big city with lots of people of different ages, cultures and occupations - the bubble has definitely got to me. I went into Coventry with the bf on the weekend though and felt so much better being in the city centre where there was much more going on, I really perked up that day. Being off campus also brought me comfort by thinking about the second year and moving out and how I could look forward to that; living off of campus and not in halls and commuting to uni. Have you been off of campus and into the city?

I actually thought about transferring to a university back in London but it wouldn't work out since the course here at Warwick is the one that's best for what I want to do. I also regret that I didn't choose a university in London or a city university but it's an experience and I had to leave London to find out that I missed it.

I guess it really is a matter of immersing yourself into something, whether it be the work or a hobby or societies (I've been having a bit of a difficult time with this) but I understand it is difficult, especially if you feel your course isn't giving you the pressure you'd like. I think you need to build up support networks. I'd be up for offering some social support, you can message me and we could meet up for a coffee/tea or just talk online if you want. I hope you start feeling better soon!