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Really behind on uni work and worried about exams

Im first year biochemistry and I'm worried about the exams I have in May. I'm so behind on lectures and I didn't really catch up in the holidays so I still have so much to do. I don't know anyone who's as behind as me - I mean I'm sure there are some people but out of my friends I don't know anyone. And I know it's my own fault but I'm just not really enjoying the course so I find it hard to stay motivated. And now I'm at the point where whenever I do work I just feel so overwhelmed and want to cry so nothing really goes in and I feel like giving up. But I also do still want to do well but now I just feel like it's too late. And also I find that sometimes when I get stressed about work I start worrying about other things and about every thing in life that could go wrong and I feel even worse. I really don't know what to do does anyone have any advice?
hey i'm in a bit of a similar position being very behind on work and exams coming up soon.
i know it's terrifying but just start by putting all your exams dates in your calendar, working out what you actually need to do to do well in exams, and making a plan of how to get it done.
3-6 weeks is still enough time to catch up and do well if you get over your fear and regret and just focus on getting the work done. it will feel easier when you have a plan and you can do so much work under time pressure tbh, more than you probs realise. Try to keep perspective and not beat yourself up too much cos that just makes things harder
good luck!
Reply 2
Original post by pagetsuckstoes
hey i'm in a bit of a similar position being very behind on work and exams coming up soon.
i know it's terrifying but just start by putting all your exams dates in your calendar, working out what you actually need to do to do well in exams, and making a plan of how to get it done.
3-6 weeks is still enough time to catch up and do well if you get over your fear and regret and just focus on getting the work done. it will feel easier when you have a plan and you can do so much work under time pressure tbh, more than you probs realise. Try to keep perspective and not beat yourself up too much cos that just makes things harder
good luck!

thanks thats really encouraging! And luckily my exams are more towards the end of May so I do have an alright amount of time but I think what's also stressing me out is that before the exams I have a couple more practicals, a statistics test next week that I haven't revised for and didn't go to any of the workshops, tutorial work, a CV to write for next week that I don't know how to do because I haven't been to any of the placement sessions and also I have a cleaning job that takes up time but I need to do it because I need the money. So I think if it was just the exams then it would maybe be ok but because there's so much else I am just so overwhelmed. Also I'm someone who struggles focussing and gets distracted easily so I'm scared I'm going to do badly.
(edited 1 year ago)
You have to game it. Look at past paper questions for each module you have taken (usually found as electronic versions from your department or library). Look at the last 3 years of exam questions and then revise only those topics that have consistently turned up. In fact, don't revise, just produce a model answer for the most recurring questions over the last 3 years e.g. In biochem year 1 there will probably be a question on the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle since these are 'must-know' processes.

Realistically, if you avoid this train crash, ask yourself if you are on the right course. I personally found biochem fascinating but we are all different. Swap out to another subject that does interest you
Original post by sunny225
Im first year biochemistry and I'm worried about the exams I have in May. I'm so behind on lectures and I didn't really catch up in the holidays so I still have so much to do. I don't know anyone who's as behind as me - I mean I'm sure there are some people but out of my friends I don't know anyone. And I know it's my own fault but I'm just not really enjoying the course so I find it hard to stay motivated. And now I'm at the point where whenever I do work I just feel so overwhelmed and want to cry so nothing really goes in and I feel like giving up. But I also do still want to do well but now I just feel like it's too late. And also I find that sometimes when I get stressed about work I start worrying about other things and about every thing in life that could go wrong and I feel even worse. I really don't know what to do does anyone have any advice?

Hey!
I understand that studying for exams can be overwhelming, and it's okay to feel stressed out sometimes. It's also understandable that you may be feeling discouraged, especially if you feel like you are behind in your coursework.

The first step you can take is to prioritize and organize your studying. Make a list of topics that you need to cover and try to break them down into manageable chunks. You can also consider using a study schedule or a planner to keep track of your progress.

It's also important to seek help if you are struggling. Talk to your professors or teaching assistants if you have questions or if there are topics you're finding particularly challenging. They may be able to provide you with additional resources or support.

Additionally, consider reaching out to your university's student support services. Many universities offer services such as counseling and mental health support that can help you manage stress and anxiety.

It's important to remember that it's never too late to start studying and that you can still do well on your exams. Focus on the progress you make rather than the setbacks, and take care of your mental health throughout the process. Remember that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed and there are people and resources available to help you succeed.

Best Wishes
Priya :smile:
Postgraduate Ambassador
University of Southampton
Hi there,

It’s half of the academic session and you are no way half of the syllabus. The exam dates are fast approaching and you are not ready for it.
Yes, the panic is normal
But Hey! that won’t solve the issue. You should consider these tips.

Revisit Your Time Table
You can redraft your time table and extend the duration you spend on each task. If for example, you spend 2 hours on each module, you can extend it to 3 hours. But you should also not overdo your strength. Work according to what your brain can carry.

Know Your Priorities
For this period, put away activities that are time consuming and of no relevance to your studies. Spend more time on schoolwork
For the moment, put away activities that are time consuming and of no relevance to your studies. Spend more time on school works and then, you will be able to cover up beforehand.

You can also meet your friends/colleagues to ask how far they have gone with studies and request that they put you through certain subjects or rather, adopt their study mechanism.

Chuks
University of Bradford Alumni Rep
Original post by sunny225
Im first year biochemistry and I'm worried about the exams I have in May. I'm so behind on lectures and I didn't really catch up in the holidays so I still have so much to do. I don't know anyone who's as behind as me - I mean I'm sure there are some people but out of my friends I don't know anyone. And I know it's my own fault but I'm just not really enjoying the course so I find it hard to stay motivated. And now I'm at the point where whenever I do work I just feel so overwhelmed and want to cry so nothing really goes in and I feel like giving up. But I also do still want to do well but now I just feel like it's too late. And also I find that sometimes when I get stressed about work I start worrying about other things and about every thing in life that could go wrong and I feel even worse. I really don't know what to do does anyone have any advice?


Hey,

Exams are tough, there is no better way to say it! You will probably find that everyone is stressed for them as well.
Uni is very different from school and sometimes it is hard to keep up but you can definitely get back on track!
The first step is to write down everything you need to do and prioritise it by time for when it is due and what you think you know best, it can look really overwhelming but once you start ticking things off you will feel much better!

You could also try seeking support from lecturers or other staff at the university on how you are feeling, they will be well versed in how to help people in these situations and I am absolutely sure they would be more that happy to help you!

I hope this helps, and good luck with your exams,

Ellen
Y3 Medical Student
University of Sunderland
Digital Ambassador
Original post by sunny225
Im first year biochemistry and I'm worried about the exams I have in May. I'm so behind on lectures and I didn't really catch up in the holidays so I still have so much to do. I don't know anyone who's as behind as me - I mean I'm sure there are some people but out of my friends I don't know anyone. And I know it's my own fault but I'm just not really enjoy ing the course so I find it hard to stay motivated. And now I'm at the point where whenever I do work I just feel so overwhelmed and want to cry so nothing really goes in and I feel like giving up. But I also do still want to do well but now I just feel like it's too late. And also I find that sometimes when I get stressed about work I start worrying about other things and about every thing in life that could go wrong and I feel even worse. I really don't know what to do does anyone have any advice?


Hi @sunny225

Exam season and uni work can be challenging for all so I understand your worries and I really hope you are okay, you are not alone! I have a post which gives some advice on how to manage the exam season Managing the exam season.

W
ork can be overwhelming sometimes but it is important that you make sure you take some time to yourself, it might help you feel more calm. Maybe take a walk and get some fresh air so that you can take all the studying in. It is definitely not too late I am sure you still have some time to revise for your exams and you never know you might do amazing!

When I get stressed I worry about things too. To help with this I have a self-care evening after Uni or an exam, I will lie in bed, read my book and then watch some tv. It takes my mind off things. Or even go out and socialise, join a society maybe.

Do your work a bit at a time so that you don't overwhelm yourself. Make a revision timetable so you know what you plan to work on every day and give yourself mini breaks in-between so you have time to process the information.

I hope this helps and best wishes for your exams and uni work.
-Tianna :smile:

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