I don’t think unis for me

I’ve been at uni for just over a month on a new course. I previously did another course for a year previously.

I feel like I’m always behind on assignments even when I try to stay organised, it’s hard to have work life balance, everyone else seems to get on much better than me with their work.

I like the uni lifestyle and seeing friends etc. but actually doing the uni work bores and drains me. I’ve felt like this about academia since a levels but when I had a gap year between degrees I really wanted to go back to education.

I don’t know what to do, I have a month left until my projects due and the equipment I need to book out is all taken so I’m feeling low about it right now. I know there’s a chance to retake etc.

I feel cross with myself with the possibility I’m going to fail the first project.

Would it be awful to drop out again? I really want a career in music/ radio and my degree has nothing to do with that

My arts degree that I’m currently doing may not be that employable…would it be better to take the skills I’ve learned this year and work on my own projects whilst working full time or doing an apprenticeship?

Reply 1

Anonymous #2

Why do something that you don't like, if its not really that employable anyways? A good apprenticeship or job turned career could make you pretty decent money, and if you prefer that there really isn't any point to doing uni... I feel like this is something that usually should be thought of while doing A levels/equivalents?

Reply 2

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’ve been at uni for just over a month on a new course. I previously did another course for a year previously.
I feel like I’m always behind on assignments even when I try to stay organised, it’s hard to have work life balance, everyone else seems to get on much better than me with their work.
I like the uni lifestyle and seeing friends etc. but actually doing the uni work bores and drains me. I’ve felt like this about academia since a levels but when I had a gap year between degrees I really wanted to go back to education.
I don’t know what to do, I have a month left until my projects due and the equipment I need to book out is all taken so I’m feeling low about it right now. I know there’s a chance to retake etc.
I feel cross with myself with the possibility I’m going to fail the first project.
Would it be awful to drop out again? I really want a career in music/ radio and my degree has nothing to do with that
My arts degree that I’m currently doing may not be that employable…would it be better to take the skills I’ve learned this year and work on my own projects whilst working full time or doing an apprenticeship?

Hi,
To start I would speak to your lecturer for the module of your first project, they will be able to offer tailored advice. I recommend explaining this, as you have done here, to your academic tutor - they will be able to advise you on career paths and the progression of your degree.

It is also worth me mentioning that university is not for everyone, if you are truly unhappy and overwhelmed by education, it may be worth looking into alternatives - apprenticeships or even an apprenticeship degree.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 3

Chester Student

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’ve been at uni for just over a month on a new course. I previously did another course for a year previously.
I feel like I’m always behind on assignments even when I try to stay organised, it’s hard to have work life balance, everyone else seems to get on much better than me with their work.
I like the uni lifestyle and seeing friends etc. but actually doing the uni work bores and drains me. I’ve felt like this about academia since a levels but when I had a gap year between degrees I really wanted to go back to education.
I don’t know what to do, I have a month left until my projects due and the equipment I need to book out is all taken so I’m feeling low about it right now. I know there’s a chance to retake etc.
I feel cross with myself with the possibility I’m going to fail the first project.
Would it be awful to drop out again? I really want a career in music/ radio and my degree has nothing to do with that
My arts degree that I’m currently doing may not be that employable…would it be better to take the skills I’ve learned this year and work on my own projects whilst working full time or doing an apprenticeship?

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with university right now. It sounds like quite an overwhelming time for you, so make sure that you take some time out of your day to be kind to yourself and relax.

I'd recommend that you speak to your personal academic tutor if you have one. Explain to them how you're feeling and what you're thinking of doing instead, and see what they say. They have likely spoken to so many people in your position before, so hopefully it can be a little helpful. The careers team and well-being team are also there for this, so make use of them too. It's much harder to be having these feelings and thinking these things by yourself, so do make use of the resources available to you. These staff members have spoken to so many students in your position, so don't be afraid to approach them!

It would definitely be worth sitting down and thinking about what you actually want too. If you're interested in a career in music/radio, how would you get there? See what kind of paths you can take to get where you want to be, and see what is most appealing to you. The careers team at your university can help you if you are unsure of where to start. It's true that mostly any university degree can give you valuable transferable skills, but it also costs you time and money. If you truly want to do something else, see what you can do to make it happen!

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Reply 4

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’ve been at uni for just over a month on a new course. I previously did another course for a year previously.
I feel like I’m always behind on assignments even when I try to stay organised, it’s hard to have work life balance, everyone else seems to get on much better than me with their work.
I like the uni lifestyle and seeing friends etc. but actually doing the uni work bores and drains me. I’ve felt like this about academia since a levels but when I had a gap year between degrees I really wanted to go back to education.
I don’t know what to do, I have a month left until my projects due and the equipment I need to book out is all taken so I’m feeling low about it right now. I know there’s a chance to retake etc.
I feel cross with myself with the possibility I’m going to fail the first project.
Would it be awful to drop out again? I really want a career in music/ radio and my degree has nothing to do with that
My arts degree that I’m currently doing may not be that employable…would it be better to take the skills I’ve learned this year and work on my own projects whilst working full time or doing an apprenticeship?

Hi,

The first thing I would do is speak to your personal tutor, and then reach out to your friends and family. Your personal tutor might be able to offer a better idea of what the remainder of your course looks like, and signpost you to any support services who could help with the academic side of university life. If you still don't find yourself interested in the course, discuss your next steps with any supportive relatives or friends - what are your immediate plans after dropping out of university, can you secure an apprenticeship easily at this time of year or will you have to wait a few months, etc.

University isn't the right path for everyone, and there's nothing wrong with that: there are other qualifications and ways to gain industry experience outside of a traditional university setting. If you want a career in music or radio, you could always briefly work part/full-time in a non-related role and volunteer at a local radio station or music studio to build experience.

Best of luck!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 5

PS Reviewer

Original post by Anonymous

If the equipment you need to complete your work isn't available then that's a problem the university should be working to resolve not something that should lead to you dropping out. Talk to the module leader for that piece of work and explain the situation and ask for their advice in the first instance. They might be able to point you to an alternate source of equipment or be able to force a more equitable loan time so that everyone gets a fair share. Or alternatively they might be able to extend your deadline so that you're able to access the equipment once everyone else has submitted their work.

If the university require you to use specialist equipment but don't make sure that's available then that would be grounds for a formal complaint. Your student union and course rep should also be able to help with this.