Looking for reassuring stories of people who failed first year.

Ok exactly what the title states. I am really worried/ I know I am going to fail my first year. Not by much- I will probably have a 1st/2.i average for 10/12 of my units. However, I got really behind in absolutely everything this semester so the remaining two units I am literally going to fail and fail pretty miserably.

Before the high and mighty police come along and say get off TSR and Study- yes I am studying hard to make sure I pass those 10 [ 7 already passed with 78% average, 1 exam I know I have passed and I think with around 68%] but I am behind in the other two. I had fallen behind in the other 2 I think I can pass as well but I understood the work as we went so just need to learn it. Time constraint wise this means there really is nothing I can do about the last two units.

Yes I fell behind in the normal ways (we all make mistakes) but I had my issues and reasons for this happening so again to anyone wishing to ride a high horse your time may be better spent posting else where.

So yeah anyone who feels they may fail their first year or has a story about failing their first year.

[For those interested my issues/ problems are that I have advanced valve disease where my ventricle does not beat properly due to being stretched.The valve is to be replaced by open heart surgery two days after my final exam. Normally other than a bit of tiredness not an issue but then I got several viruses back to back starting second week of February- went on around 6 weeks followed by demonological changes which my GP is still investigating. The combined tiredness from fighting the infections knocked me sideways and I fell behind. I developed an abnormal rhythm so have had a couple of A&E visits and making the 200 mile round trip to see my consultant. This has exacerbated my existing MH problems (I finished successful weekly therapy the week before moving to Uni). Particularly as I am severely dyslexic so take time and a half to learn things (50% extra time in exams). So yes I have applied for mitigation submitting my April Clinic review, explanation by my Clinical Nurse specialist and a letter of support form the uni counselling service.I refuse to stress myself out by trying to cram for the two exams that I am really not ready for as it will only be detrimental to the others and to my MH which is not bad considering the situation but not amazing as I am really struggling to sleep and my concentration is hit and miss].

Reply 1

alleycat393

Original post by Midgeymoo17

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So from the sound of it you've submitted your extenuating circumstances to the uni along with all the evidence? When do you find out about the outcome of that? They may allow you to retake the exams or even just take them at a later date when you're better. It also helps that you've been doing well so far. Have you spoken to your personal advisor? It'll be good to have them on board or at least aware of the situation.

Reply 2

Reality Check

Original post by Midgeymoo17

I agree with all that @alleycat393 has said above. So long as you've submitted evidence (which you clearly have) of how your medical issues have affected your ability to study and take the exams, you will be offered a deferral. The real issue will be whether you can get back on track to be able to pass the exams at the deferral opportunity (it'll probably be 4 weeks after the main exam season).

Are you up-to-date with all your coursework, or is there outstanding work here that may need a deferral/examination allowance?

I wouldn't feel down about this at all. You've fallen a bit behind because of a medical issue you can't help. You should, however, feel pleased that you've been averaging a 2i/I - good work.

Reply 3

Midgeymoo17

Original post by Reality Check

My uni department does not allow deferrals as such, but can be given resit as first sit. I am fine with this but the operation has an eight-week recovery period on it so I may still end up having to do these sits with the next cohort.

Could I get back on track by first resits- they are actually 11 weeks after the initial exams so in theory yes- the fact eight of those maybe surgery but we will have to see.

Yes all my coursework is unto date and absolutely all my assessed coursework was a first.

To be honest I am not worried about failing-being kicked out. It is more I wish to stay with my cohort which maybe a little more tricky.

Reply 4

Midgeymoo17

Original post by alleycat393

Yes the evidence was: 1)Letter from Cardiologist 2)Letter from Cardiac clinical nurse specialist 3) Student Support Plan (namely evidence of my pre-evicting mental health condition from the Psychotherapist and Psychiatrist) 4) and additional evidence can be obtained by the panel from the Uni counselling service

If asked my GP stated today she would also write a letter on my behalf because I was incredibly anxious when she saw me about my fungal infection. I did not bother because I really think there was already enough.

And yes I spoke to the school student support officer (not so much my personal advisor) we had a discussion about the exams but as I may actually be in hospital at the time of the resits agreed I would attempt them and then see where we are. (As I say I am going to pass 10/12 Units I took this year) which maybe enough that I can progress.

Reply 5

Erik28

I went to uni ten years ago and failed my first year. My reasons were different to yours (I had just turned 18, was too early, not ready etc), but I saw the year out and didn't return. I worked for a few years, went travelling, lived abroad for a long time and then came back to the UK.

Now ten years have passed, I'm 27 and have decided to go back this year. There's hope for everyone, if you fail, you fail. There's no harm or shame in that, it took me a long time to realise that.

But you'll be fine, everything always works out, it always does.

Reply 6

thenextchemist

Are you not able to retake in the summer?

Reply 7

Midgeymoo17

Original post by Bloom77

Are you not able to retake in the summer?

In terms of regulations yes. In terms of practically it is pushing it. Total recovery time for Operation which is likely to be 27th of June is a minimum of 8 weeks spanning up to 12. As I said above is not failing i.e.: my studies being terminated I am worried about. It is more ending up a year behind my friends.