advice for first year
I failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Reply 1
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Failing your first uni exam is tough, but it’s a learning opportunity, not a reflection of your potential. Take time to process your feelings, then focus on improving—review where you went wrong, adjust your study methods (like using active recall, past papers, or study groups), and create a structured plan for your May exams. Remember, many students face setbacks in first year; what matters is how you bounce back. Stay consistent, seek support if needed, and trust that you’re building resilience for future challenges. You’ve got this!
Reply 2
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Hey there,
I totally get how you’re feeling, failing an exam for the first time can be a huge shock, especially when you’re used to doing well. But trust me, one bad result doesn’t define your capability whatsoever!
It's important to keep in mind that first year in uni is definitely a learning curve, uni exams are a different ball game compared to school. It’s normal for first years to struggle at first because the style, depth, and expectations are different. Since you’re not sure where you went wrong, try to get feedback (if possible). Were your answers too vague? Did you run out of time? Did you misunderstand what was being asked? Pinpointing the issue will help you improve for the next exam.
One bad exam doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this. Even the best students fail sometimes, it’s how you bounce back that matters. You’re in first year, learning and adapting is part of the process.
Rooting for you!
Danish
BCU Student Rep
Reply 3
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Hi @Anonymous
I agree with the other reps' advice, I know it is much easier said than done, but don't let this dishearten you. Like you said it sounds like everyone found this exam tough. Do you know if other first-years struggled with this exam in previous years?
Hopefully, if everyone found it hard your tutors will look at this and ensure there was nothing that was misunderstood or missed from your study materials, then provide relevant feedback and support.
During my first year's first assessment, I received one of the worst-ever marks in my life. I was a bit disappointed until I realised what a jump-up degree level is to Level 3 qualifications, and what a great learning opportunity this was. Since then my grades have steadily improved during my second and now third year. It is really common for people to take a while to get to grips with university work and assessments in the first year as it is not only a higher level of study but often a brand, new subject being studied such as Optometry!
Like the other reps suggested take a look at your feedback and speak to your tutors if there is anything you don't understand.
Was there any particular aspect of the exam you struggled with?
If so, it is worth speaking to academic staff, because they can give great advice on how to work on these.
I struggle a bit with some of my academic writing skills, so I have started a free academic writing course through the university, it might be worth seeing what support there is.
I find it helpful to study with coursemates if I am finding a particular module tricky as not only do they encourage me, but we can often chat through areas we are struggling with and help one another, too.
I hope that helps! Feel free to let me know if you have any further questions. Best of luck with your studies - you've got this!
Lucy 🙂
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Hi there,
First year of uni is tough! Plenty of people struggle with the transition from A-levels and their grades may suffer, try not to be too tough on yourself! First year is all about that step up and the grades often aren't counted towards your final graduation grade in many universities. Meet with your teacher and take a good look at their feedback and suggested revision style - it might be a small change can make a big difference towards your understanding.
Good luck
Amber
Coventry University Student Ambassador
Reply 6
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Hi!
Im so sorry that you are so upset, I completely understand how you feel as I have been in a similar situation. I recommend arranging a meeting with your lecturer for the exam module and ask them to explain where you went wrong and maybe what revision techniques you could try. Remember that your first year assignments are for you to get used to university level work, so this is the time to find what works for you.
Hope this helps! Faye 🙂
Reply 7
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Hi there,
I know this can be tough and it's hard to adjust sometimes when you start university which can make it tricky when you have your first set of exams/assignments. Try and remember that it is okay and just see it as a learning curve to make you do better next time!
I would say that these are the tings that have helped me when I haven't done as well as I wanted or tips for when you haven't passed an assignment:
•
Talk through anything you don't understand with your tutor. As you said most people didn't get what they were hoping/expecting, your tutor may go through some of the questions with you to help you all. Or, just ask if you need anything clarifying.
•
Make notes on the parts that you didn't do so well on so that next time you have extra notes about these areas and this might help you a bit more when it comes to your next assignment/exam on that area.
•
If you need help with exam technique, see if your uni puts on any sessions to help you with this. Often there are sessions at the library which help with this so it's worth having a look and seeing as this will help.
•
See if you can find a different study method which might help you more. There are different ways of studying and different methods help different people so it is worth having a look and seeing if you need help with the study method or choose a different one.
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 8
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Final year optometry student here.
I failed an assessment in my 2nd year, booked a meeting with my module leader and asked for feedback.
I then focused on that module till my assessments in May to make sure I get a higher mark.
Remember, this degree is full of ups and downs and you're gonna hit a wall most of the time. I've spent hours in the library day and night for an assessment that I had last week which I didn't perform well on.
Don't give up.
Hopefully, you'll reply to this message in 3 years time so I can book an eye test with you 🤓.
You've got this.
Reply 9
Was this a written exam? Like mcq? I'm doing optometry as well but haven't had any exams yet. I've spoken to optoms who failed their 1st year but hey they still qualified in the end.
Reply 10
Original post
by AnonymousFinal year optometry student here.
I failed an assessment in my 2nd year, booked a meeting with my module leader and asked for feedback.
I then focused on that module till my assessments in May to make sure I get a higher mark.
Remember, this degree is full of ups and downs and you're gonna hit a wall most of the time. I've spent hours in the library day and night for an assessment that I had last week which I didn't perform well on.
Don't give up.
Hopefully, you'll reply to this message in 3 years time so I can book an eye test with you 🤓.
You've got this.
I failed an assessment in my 2nd year, booked a meeting with my module leader and asked for feedback.
I then focused on that module till my assessments in May to make sure I get a higher mark.
Remember, this degree is full of ups and downs and you're gonna hit a wall most of the time. I've spent hours in the library day and night for an assessment that I had last week which I didn't perform well on.
Don't give up.
Hopefully, you'll reply to this message in 3 years time so I can book an eye test with you 🤓.
You've got this.
Thanks so much! honestly it means alot to hear from someone whi has experienced the same thing!
I will contact my module leads and ask for feedback for sure
If you dont mind me asking how do you get better at ret and volk ?
Reply 11
Original post
by pepperstalkWas this a written exam? Like mcq? I'm doing optometry as well but haven't had any exams yet. I've spoken to optoms who failed their 1st year but hey they still qualified in the end.
it was SAQs. How are you finding 1st year ?
Thankyou
Reply 12
Original post
by hallamstudentsHi there,
I know this can be tough and it's hard to adjust sometimes when you start university which can make it tricky when you have your first set of exams/assignments. Try and remember that it is okay and just see it as a learning curve to make you do better next time!
I would say that these are the tings that have helped me when I haven't done as well as I wanted or tips for when you haven't passed an assignment:
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
I know this can be tough and it's hard to adjust sometimes when you start university which can make it tricky when you have your first set of exams/assignments. Try and remember that it is okay and just see it as a learning curve to make you do better next time!
I would say that these are the tings that have helped me when I haven't done as well as I wanted or tips for when you haven't passed an assignment:
•
Talk through anything you don't understand with your tutor. As you said most people didn't get what they were hoping/expecting, your tutor may go through some of the questions with you to help you all. Or, just ask if you need anything clarifying.
•
Make notes on the parts that you didn't do so well on so that next time you have extra notes about these areas and this might help you a bit more when it comes to your next assignment/exam on that area.
•
If you need help with exam technique, see if your uni puts on any sessions to help you with this. Often there are sessions at the library which help with this so it's worth having a look and seeing as this will help.
•
See if you can find a different study method which might help you more. There are different ways of studying and different methods help different people so it is worth having a look and seeing if you need help with the study method or choose a different one.
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Thankyou so much!
Reply 13
Original post
by Anonymousit was SAQs. How are you finding 1st year ?
Thankyou
Thankyou
Not sure what that stands for. But I'm finding it rather difficult too. Lots of information and concepts + all the practical skills to keep up w is overwhelming. You can pm me if u want!
Reply 14
12
Original post
by AnonymousFinal year optometry student here.
I failed an assessment in my 2nd year, booked a meeting with my module leader and asked for feedback.
I then focused on that module till my assessments in May to make sure I get a higher mark.
Remember, this degree is full of ups and downs and you're gonna hit a wall most of the time. I've spent hours in the library day and night for an assessment that I had last week which I didn't perform well on.
Don't give up.
Hopefully, you'll reply to this message in 3 years time so I can book an eye test with you 🤓.
You've got this.
I failed an assessment in my 2nd year, booked a meeting with my module leader and asked for feedback.
I then focused on that module till my assessments in May to make sure I get a higher mark.
Remember, this degree is full of ups and downs and you're gonna hit a wall most of the time. I've spent hours in the library day and night for an assessment that I had last week which I didn't perform well on.
Don't give up.
Hopefully, you'll reply to this message in 3 years time so I can book an eye test with you 🤓.
You've got this.
Hi I’m thinking of staring optom this year, I have offers but I’m not the brightest of ppl I did average in my GCSEs and I’m not applying with alevels which worries me I’m scared I’m not clever enough is it really difficult..
Reply 15
Original post
by AnonymousThanks so much! honestly it means alot to hear from someone whi has experienced the same thing!
I will contact my module leads and ask for feedback for sure
If you dont mind me asking how do you get better at ret and volk ?
I will contact my module leads and ask for feedback for sure
If you dont mind me asking how do you get better at ret and volk ?
I'm still bad at Volk during my clinics. The best way to get better at it by practicing it constantly, even when you feel like you can't see anything. Also find out which power you're comfortable with, 90D or Super field. In terms of retinoscopy always remember this rule: "Start with the slowest with or fastest against". If you get one of these reflexes then use that as your starting point. Also use bracketing, as in give a high plus or minus lens and then if the reflex changes then bring the power down. Apologies if I haven't explained it well 😅 but that's how I get around retinoscopy.
Reply 16
Original post
by Moon12”Hi I’m thinking of staring optom this year, I have offers but I’m not the brightest of ppl I did average in my GCSEs and I’m not applying with alevels which worries me I’m scared I’m not clever enough is it really difficult..
Hi there,
I also did average in my GSCE's and A levels, probably got lower grades than you did but what makes you the brightest in university is your work ethic.
If you're a person who's consistent with their work everyday and is up to date with it then there's nothing to worry about.
Remember challenges are part of life especially being in healthcare. Best to struggle now than later.
Accept the offer 🫡
Reply 17
Original post
by AnonymousI failed my first uni exam and i dont know how to feel. Ive never failed anything in my life and i feel so upset. Im in 1st year and this was my first exam. I know the year as a whole performed badly but that doesnt even reassure me. I dont know what I'm getting wrong. This specific exam is classed as unimportant bc we don't have to resit it if we fail, but the ones we have in May are, and I feel overwhelmed. Any tips or advice from older years? I study optometry, btw
Is Optom really that hard I might be starting this yr bye I’m scared
Reply 18
12
Original post
by Kotak_Jan911Hi there,
I also did average in my GSCE's and A levels, probably got lower grades than you did but what makes you the brightest in university is your work ethic.
If you're a person who's consistent with their work everyday and is up to date with it then there's nothing to worry about.
Remember challenges are part of life especially being in healthcare. Best to struggle now than later.
Accept the offer 🫡
I also did average in my GSCE's and A levels, probably got lower grades than you did but what makes you the brightest in university is your work ethic.
If you're a person who's consistent with their work everyday and is up to date with it then there's nothing to worry about.
Remember challenges are part of life especially being in healthcare. Best to struggle now than later.
Accept the offer 🫡
Thanks so much but I’m so scared of failing it I’m seeing clever ppl fail it, it’s messing with my head
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