I’m currently in my second year at university. Throughout the whole year, I had numerous health issues and hospital appointments. I struggled with attending university but managed to pass the first semester through having group projects (I would try to keep on top of it because I didn’t want them to fail because of me).
This semester, I’ve barely attended. And now that I’m medically mostly reaching the all-clear (for now), I’ve had the time to realise the magnitude of what I’ve missed. And I’ve realised over the last week that I’ve actually mentally checked out of university. I can catch up and get passing grades on my work, but I know I’m capable of better. I also have to do a piece of work in the summer & an exam.
On top of this, I‘ve struggled with financial issues this year and also had my benefits stopped, which has led to a time-consuming appeal process which is still ongoing. I really want a break from it all but I never seem to get it.
I have the option to redo the year. However, my parents are against this, and the person I meet up with weekly at university initially tried to say I could finish this year etc (because I had similar last year and still passed) until I finally told them how far I was behind. My friends argue it’s an extra loan, but I know I’m never going to pay it off anyway.
I have a meeting at some point in the next two weeks with my programme leader to discuss my options, which means I have until then to kind of make a decision.
If retake the year, I will manage to have a break/ sort things out in my life, I won’t have to progress into final year when I really don’t feel like I am ready, I will have a better chance at getting better grades. I will have a chance at being able to find a placement.
If I don’t retake the year and continue on, I will have less debt, I won’t have to delay my career by another year (I am already 23), I won’t have to explain on my CV why I was at university an extra year.
Could anyone give me some advice on what they think I should do? I am really stumped and this itself is stressing me out.
Thankyou so much in advance!