Uni and academics fill me with dread but i don't know what else to do

8

I have always been a highly academic student and have been quite a high achiever. But this is often less because i enjoy it but because i am good at it and have been encouraged to academic paths my whole life. Whilst i do enjoy learning immensely as i am a curious person, the pressure and the tests often suck out any of that joy and the process tends to bore me and drive me mad. Furthermore, since i have only been doing academics my whole life, the thought of anything else is very scary and daunting as most of my best skills are in academics. I am currently in my first year of A levels and hate it, not because i don't love my subjects but because all the relentless tests and pressure is killing me. I have spoken to a careers advisor about this and whilst she was helpful, she also pushed me into the direction of academics and university.

I have no clue what to do. Any help is much appreciated and thanks for reading

Reply 1

McGinger

20

Take a year out. Plan a gap year and give yourself time to think calmly and carefully about what you want to do next. Get a job (any job), earn some money and plan some travel etc. No-where does it say you can only go to Uni straight from school, or that its compulsory, and this sort of time-out before making the 'what next' decisions is never a waste of time.

Reply 2

username6417108

OP

8

Original post

by McGinger

Take a year out. Plan a gap year and give yourself time to think calmly and carefully about what you want to do next. Get a job (any job), earn some money and plan some travel etc. No-where does it say you can only go to Uni straight from school, or that its compulsory, and this sort of time-out before making the 'what next' decisions is never a waste of time.

Thanks for the advice. I have considered that but my parents keep pushing for me to go to university and study, saying it will be a formative experience and telling me how other people feel behind if they take a gap year. Still, I have considered think it a good idea to still consider it. Thanks again for the advice

Reply 3

ageshallnot

21

Original post

by Shrek2onDVD

Thanks for the advice. I have considered that but my parents keep pushing for me to go to university and study, saying it will be a formative experience and telling me how other people feel behind if they take a gap year. Still, I have considered think it a good idea to still consider it. Thanks again for the advice

What do they think you should study? What do you want to study if you go?

I second the idea above about a gap year - travel, work, both, whatever.

Reply 4

MarioBarosanu11

3

start a business bro. **** academics rs

Reply 5

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

20

Original post

by Shrek2onDVD

I have always been a highly academic student and have been quite a high achiever. But this is often less because i enjoy it but because i am good at it and have been encouraged to academic paths my whole life. Whilst i do enjoy learning immensely as i am a curious person, the pressure and the tests often suck out any of that joy and the process tends to bore me and drive me mad. Furthermore, since i have only been doing academics my whole life, the thought of anything else is very scary and daunting as most of my best skills are in academics. I am currently in my first year of A levels and hate it, not because i don't love my subjects but because all the relentless tests and pressure is killing me. I have spoken to a careers advisor about this and whilst she was helpful, she also pushed me into the direction of academics and university.
I have no clue what to do. Any help is much appreciated and thanks for reading

So don't put yourself under pressure. Have a think, what's the worst that can happen if you fail an exam? You take it again? You take a different route? You rethink? There's absolutely nothing unrecoverable from not getting a whole set of A*s, whether it's resitting a year, going to a different uni, doing an apprenticeship, getting a job etc etc. And whichever of those, the route won't matter in a few years time.

It's called adult life - and it's much less predictable than the 'sausage-machine' of school. There's no fixed timeline, and there's no fixed route. There's also not much of a safety net, so best to enter it prepared, knowing something about yourself and why you are taking the route you are taking. A gap year sounds like a good idea, make a plan and find out about yourself.

Reply 6

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Hi @Shrek2onDVD (amazing username, by the way!)

It sounds like you're experiencing academic burnout – and that’s totally valid. You clearly have a strong academic track record, but when something becomes a source of pressure rather than joy, it can be mentally exhausting, even if you're good at it.

As counterintuitive as it might feel, giving yourself permission to take proper breaks is essential – even just a few hours or a full day to recharge. Step away from the revision and do something that brings you energy. Personally, I find I come back with more clarity and motivation after time away. Changing your environment can also help – try rotating between studying at school/college, home, a library, or even a cafe to keep things fresh.

The truth is, the pressure doesn’t magically disappear at higher levels of education – but what does change is how you can begin to shape your learning around what actually interests you. That’s why building in time for hobbies, friends, clubs, or anything non-academic is so important – it helps balance things out and gives you a break from constantly performing.

In terms of thinking about your next steps, there’s no rush right now to decide on university or not. One thing you might find helpful is going to a careers fair (even virtually) where you can chat to people in different industries about what they do, how they got there, and what qualifications or skills they actually needed. Sometimes we assume certain jobs require a specific academic route when there are actually lots of pathways in. It can be really eye-opening to explore what’s out there beyond the school-university route.

If uni is something you’re still considering, it might be worth trying a Year 12 residential or a university open day – you’ll get to experience a subject taster, explore student life, and get a feel for whether it’s something that excites you. That excitement is a really good sign that it might be the right place or path.

You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way, and it’s great that you’ve already spoken to someone about it. Just remember – being good at something doesn’t mean it has to be your only path. There are so many ways to grow, learn, and thrive.

Take care,

Megan (LJMU Postgraduate Student Rep)

Reply 7

username6417108

OP

8

Original post

by ageshallnot

What do they think you should study? What do you want to study if you go?
I second the idea above about a gap year - travel, work, both, whatever.

I currently do A level Modern History, Philosophy and Ethics and politics. If i was to go to uni, i would probably do international relations or modern history, both of which sound like fun to learn about but again the pressure puts me off

Reply 8

username6417108

OP

8

Original post

by MarioBarosanu11

start a business bro. **** academics rs

In my dreams, i would open a retro store which sold all sorts of vintage things from music, film and art. But realistically, that is really expensive and everytime i try to get any sort of figure to do so in the far future even, its like crazy expensive. Still i can dream

Reply 9

ageshallnot

21

Original post

by Shrek2onDVD

In my dreams, i would open a retro store which sold all sorts of vintage things from music, film and art. But realistically, that is really expensive and everytime i try to get any sort of figure to do so in the far future even, its like crazy expensive. Still i can dream

Can you get a job in one to give you relevant experience and knowledge?

Reply 10

McGinger

20

Original post

by Shrek2onDVD

Thanks for the advice. I have considered that but my parents keep pushing for me to go to university and study, saying it will be a formative experience and telling me how other people feel behind if they take a gap year. Still, I have considered think it a good idea to still consider it. Thanks again for the advice

Then apply for Uni but with 'deferred entry' for 2027 entry.
You would have a guaranteed Uni place to go to (parents happy) but still with a year out to reconsider things if necessary (just don't tell them that bit).

Reply 11

username6417108

OP

8

Original post

by ageshallnot

Can you get a job in one to give you relevant experience and knowledge?

I think that'd be a good idea., If i was to take that gap year it'd be good. Just a simple matter of finding a shop such as that as i live in a sleepier part of the country and my town is a shoebox.

Reply 12

ageshallnot

21

Original post

by Shrek2onDVD

I think that'd be a good idea., If i was to take that gap year it'd be good. Just a simple matter of finding a shop such as that as i live in a sleepier part of the country and my town is a shoebox.

Could you set up a pop-up shop? Or go round car boot sales?

Reply 13

Szara_SOAS

9

Original post

by Shrek2onDVD

I have always been a highly academic student and have been quite a high achiever. But this is often less because i enjoy it but because i am good at it and have been encouraged to academic paths my whole life. Whilst i do enjoy learning immensely as i am a curious person, the pressure and the tests often suck out any of that joy and the process tends to bore me and drive me mad. Furthermore, since i have only been doing academics my whole life, the thought of anything else is very scary and daunting as most of my best skills are in academics. I am currently in my first year of A levels and hate it, not because i don't love my subjects but because all the relentless tests and pressure is killing me. I have spoken to a careers advisor about this and whilst she was helpful, she also pushed me into the direction of academics and university.
I have no clue what to do. Any help is much appreciated and thanks for reading

Hi there,

I study International Relations and Arabic, so if you have any IR-related questions, I’d be happy to help! I’d also recommend you visit an Open Day to get a feel for the subject and teaching firsthand. This can help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Personally, I’ve found university less stressful than A-levels because the assessments are more varied and not all exam-based. That said, it depends on the subject and university. For Arabic, I have regular closed-book exams, but my International Relations modules usually involve two assignments—either essays or an essay followed by an exam. I’ve also had a few short presentations, but they’re in small tutorial groups, so they’re not too daunting.

I definitely prefer the essays over exams—there’s less pressure since you don’t have to memorise anything and can work at your own pace. You can also clarify any tricky readings with professors or reach out to them for general support. So, as long as you manage your time well, it’s nothing like the stress of exams. I always choose exam-free modules where possible (though some compulsory ones require them) and have managed to avoid IR exams entirely this year.

As others have said, there’s absolutely no need to rush this decision—your wellbeing comes first. So, take the time you need to choose what works best for you.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

(edited 9 months ago)

Uni and academics fill me with dread but i don't know what else to do

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated