Don't know what to do

Hi, I can't believe I'm typing this again 1 year later. I thought things would be different this time... basically I started uni again this year after dropping out last year. I picked a completely different degree going from a STEM subject to a humanities subject at new university. But the problem this time is I'm finding the reading and essay writing extremely boring. To be honest I'm not sure what I was expecting, as that is what this subject is literally about. I am lazy and I just cannot be bothered doing the work, exact same thing happened last year with the other subject I was studying. I hate going to seminars and lectures and I have no friends again because that's what happens when you decide to commute (I know it's my fault). I just don't know what to do anymore. Dropping out would be so embarrassing as this would be my 2nd time doing so and once again I would not know what to do with my life.. only thing I know is I would definitely not go back to uni for the 3rd time. I'm the definition of a complete failure in life. Any advice on what I should do next is appreciated.

Reply 1

Anonymous #2

I can relate to a lot of what you said. I ended up deferring my dissertation because I just couldn't get it done due to the amount of reading/writing involved. I couldn't focus on it and I found it boring and left it all to the last minute.

It's still very early days as the new uni year has just started. You can make friends, but that's easier said than done when you're feeling demotivated.
But give yourself some more time settle in, don't let the negative mindset takeover because it's easy to get sucked into that cycle and it can be mentally exhausting which can have a domino effect.

One thing I would say is try and do the reading in bitesize chunks, or audiobook style if possible. Because not everyone likes to consume large amounts of written text, so there are other methods.

Does your Uni offer Student Support plans? If you explain your situation to them they may be able to offer personalized study plans which allow you more flexibility, options etc.

PS. I was also commuting at times.

Reply 2

University of Bath

Official Rep

Hiya there both,

Fantastic advice up above, I would second it all. Just wanted to jump in to reassure you that you are not alone in how you feel as its very common to feel demotivated by the level of reading and writing involved in uni. I'd encourage you not to be too hard on yourself - you are navigating a new environment and new subject, plus it was a brave decision to give uni another go. As mentioned above, I would try to stick with it if you can for a few months, try to remember why you applied in the first place and why the subject inspires you. However if you decide at the end of the day that it really isn't for you then don't worry - you are NOT a failure, there are plenty of options available for you. You could take a gap year to travel whilst working out what you'd like to do, you could go into full time work, work part-time whilst volunteering, you could apply for an apprenticeship in a field you're interested in. You are only at the beginning of your journey into work and so you have tonnes of time to find what's right for you.

Hope this helps a bit - best of luck and keep going 🙂

Holly
University of Bath