Hi
Anonymous #1,
I’m really sorry to hear how difficult things have been for you. It sounds like you've been carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders, both from your mental health challenges and the expectations placed on you. It’s understandable that you feel disheartened after so many starts and stops—this isn’t the journey you envisioned, and the pressure to "just finish" is crushing, especially when you’re dealing with mental health struggles on top of everything else.
It’s clear that you want to make a decision that’s right for you, but it’s tough when the options all seem to carry their own kind of burden. I think it’s important to acknowledge that you’ve shown a lot of resilience by continuing to try, even when things haven’t gone as planned. That speaks to your strength, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
Switching to a part-time degree sounds like a possible path forward, but it’s understandable that the idea of four more years feels overwhelming, especially considering how your mental health has been affected by past experiences. It’s okay to feel conflicted about this—your well-being should be a priority, and stretching out the timeline doesn’t guarantee that the process will be easier or more fulfilling for you.
Regarding your parent’s pressure, it’s really hard when someone close to you has strong expectations, especially when they conflict with your own feelings. It might help to have an honest conversation with them about what you’re going through. They might not fully understand your mental health struggles, but giving them a clearer picture might help them see why this decision is so heavy for you.
If a part-time degree or open university feels like it might be more of the same struggle, maybe it’s worth stepping back and considering other routes that could be less traditional but more in tune with where you’re at right now. Degree apprenticeships might not have panned out yet, but it doesn’t mean that door is closed.
Ultimately, there’s no one right answer here, and it’s okay if the path you choose doesn’t look like what others expect. If taking more time, even if it feels frustratingly slow, allows you to approach things at your own pace without the risk of burnout or worsening your mental health, that’s valid. You’re allowed to put yourself first.
You might want to reach out to your current uni and their well-being services to see if they can help support you.
Whatever you decide, please be gentle with yourself. You don’t have to have all the answers right now, and whatever step you take next, know that it doesn’t have to define your entire future.
Best, Sophie, University of Exeter Student Ambassador.