Forgot everything during gap year!

6

I studied A level Maths, Physics and Computer Science and got Triple A's. However I took a gap year and will be doing Computer Science software Engineering at Sheffield this september. What concerns me is that I only focused on working during this gap year and not learning. Therefore, I have nearly forgotten everything from A level contents. I tried doing a maths past paper the other day and got a headache after 2 questions and I forgot all of the basics for me maths was an easy subjects compared to CS or physics. Does anyone else relate. Or does anyone have any advice on how to train my brain into learning again as I think I would need a lot of prior knowledge when I start Univeristy.

Reply 1

McGinger

20

Original post

by NightFury:)

I studied A level Maths, Physics and Computer Science and got Triple A's. However I took a gap year and will be doing Computer Science software Engineering at Sheffield this september. What concerns me is that I only focused on working during this gap year and not learning. Therefore, I have nearly forgotten everything from A level contents. I tried doing a maths past paper the other day and got a headache after 2 questions and I forgot all of the basics for me maths was an easy subjects compared to CS or physics. Does anyone else relate. Or does anyone have any advice on how to train my brain into learning again as I think I would need a lot of prior knowledge when I start Univeristy.

Don't panic. Students starting a degree often come from very different educational backgrounds, so initial courses in the Autumn term are very much revision/foundation stuff to get everyone up to the same level.

If you want to try something to get back-into-study, look at doing some of the free Moocs on Coursera or Future Learn.

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by NightFury:)

I studied A level Maths, Physics and Computer Science and got Triple A's. However I took a gap year and will be doing Computer Science software Engineering at Sheffield this september. What concerns me is that I only focused on working during this gap year and not learning. Therefore, I have nearly forgotten everything from A level contents. I tried doing a maths past paper the other day and got a headache after 2 questions and I forgot all of the basics for me maths was an easy subjects compared to CS or physics. Does anyone else relate. Or does anyone have any advice on how to train my brain into learning again as I think I would need a lot of prior knowledge when I start Univeristy.

Hi there,

This is so normal for lots of people who have done a gap year! You have taken a year out of education so it is normal to feel a bit nervous about starting again and it might take your brain a little bit of time to adjust again.

Try not to worry too much about this - when you start Uni in September you will likely start to remember everything you have learnt before! Sometimes it can be a lot easier to remember and learn information when you are in the right setting, so being back in an educational setting should really help your memory.

I would also say to try and remember that there will be so many people in the same boat as you. There will be lots of people who have done gap years and people who haven't done gap years but finished their A levels four months before Uni started so lots of people will probably be like this!

Another thing to remember is that first year of uni is there to help you get used to Uni, learn new and revise existing content so there will be lots of opportunities to go over things you can't remember or ask any questions you need to to your tutors!

If you are really worried, you can try and start going over your content now, but I honestly wouldn't worry about it too much as I am sure it will come back to you.

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 3

UniLancashire

Official Rep

16

Original post

by NightFury:)

I studied A level Maths, Physics and Computer Science and got Triple A's. However I took a gap year and will be doing Computer Science software Engineering at Sheffield this september. What concerns me is that I only focused on working during this gap year and not learning. Therefore, I have nearly forgotten everything from A level contents. I tried doing a maths past paper the other day and got a headache after 2 questions and I forgot all of the basics for me maths was an easy subjects compared to CS or physics. Does anyone else relate. Or does anyone have any advice on how to train my brain into learning again as I think I would need a lot of prior knowledge when I start Univeristy.

Hi @NightFury [s]smile[/s],

I understand how you are feeling but don't worry too much. Taking a year out of education can definitely impact people in different ways and you are definitely not alone in feeling like this. There will be more students in the same boat than you may realise.

I took on a placement year, in which I definitely forgot some things from my first/second year of uni. That's okay. Once, I was back in the classroom, it took some time getting used to it again but over a short amount of time it all comes back. Being in the setting was definitely a factor in that. I know this isn't exactly the same situation but once you are in a classroom, you will slowly adjust. During first year of uni, you often start from the basics and is about getting used to being a university student.

I would recommend enjoying the summer and having a rest after working during your gap year but if you are getting worried then, revising and getting familiar with the studies again before starting, may be the right option for you. This doesn't need to be anything too consuming but having some post it notes around your room, watching videos or reading are some ideas. You've got this!

Hope this helps and best of luck in your new adventure,
^Zac 🙂

Reply 4

Chester Student

12

Original post

by NightFury:)

I studied A level Maths, Physics and Computer Science and got Triple A's. However I took a gap year and will be doing Computer Science software Engineering at Sheffield this september. What concerns me is that I only focused on working during this gap year and not learning. Therefore, I have nearly forgotten everything from A level contents. I tried doing a maths past paper the other day and got a headache after 2 questions and I forgot all of the basics for me maths was an easy subjects compared to CS or physics. Does anyone else relate. Or does anyone have any advice on how to train my brain into learning again as I think I would need a lot of prior knowledge when I start Univeristy.

Hi there,

As it has been said, please don't worry!

It's definitely normal to feel this way after taking time off, so don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone is coming from a different position, some even attend university after more than a few years off, so you likely aren't the only one feeling this way. Also, feel reassured that the beginning of a degree will typically cover the basics, so you should feel confident in no time, especially once you are back in the classroom environment.

If you do want to refresh your memory, I'd say start slow and be kind to yourself. Begin by going over key content, in whichever way you work best, and build it up. Doing this may also make the transition to university a little easier, so it isn't a bad idea!

Best of luck,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)

Forgot everything during gap year!

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