failing uni exams

3

I am studying for my final exams which start next week and we have four courses. I'm feeling really overwhelmed because there is so much to get through and my attention span is getting lower. It takes me around 5-6 hours to finish one lecture and I still have so much to get through. I am so stressed right now and I've talked to a therapist because this stress is affecting me a lot, I'm struggling to eat, wake up and have chest pains. I'm scared to do resits as I have never had to do them and I'm scared what people around me would say if I do bad. All I know is that I will definitely fail because I'm behind on lectures. How do you cope with failure and how can you stay motivated when you know that everything your working hard for right now won't benefit you in the future.

Reply 1

flowersinmyhair

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by chrisychrisy

I am studying for my final exams which start next week and we have four courses. I'm feeling really overwhelmed because there is so much to get through and my attention span is getting lower. It takes me around 5-6 hours to finish one lecture and I still have so much to get through. I am so stressed right now and I've talked to a therapist because this stress is affecting me a lot, I'm struggling to eat, wake up and have chest pains. I'm scared to do resits as I have never had to do them and I'm scared what people around me would say if I do bad. All I know is that I will definitely fail because I'm behind on lectures. How do you cope with failure and how can you stay motivated when you know that everything your working hard for right now won't benefit you in the future.

Why is it taking you five to six hours to catch up one lecture?
I would recommend speaking to your GP about how the stress is affecting both your mental and physical health because they may be able to refer you on to further support and maybe give you medication.

I think you may need to remind yourself on how much you are paying to be in university, even if you don't go on to use your degree or the stuff you are learning it is (unless you are a Scottish student, studying in Scotland then scratch this argument).

How are you exams being assessed? (i.e. are they multiple choice, essay questions, etc.)

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by chrisychrisy

I am studying for my final exams which start next week and we have four courses. I'm feeling really overwhelmed because there is so much to get through and my attention span is getting lower. It takes me around 5-6 hours to finish one lecture and I still have so much to get through. I am so stressed right now and I've talked to a therapist because this stress is affecting me a lot, I'm struggling to eat, wake up and have chest pains. I'm scared to do resits as I have never had to do them and I'm scared what people around me would say if I do bad. All I know is that I will definitely fail because I'm behind on lectures. How do you cope with failure and how can you stay motivated when you know that everything your working hard for right now won't benefit you in the future.

Hi there,

I am so sorry that you are feeling like this. Exams are hard at Uni so I understand how you feel.

I would say that it would be a good idea to talk to your tutors about this. They will be able to help you and clarify anything that you do not understand. They will also be understanding that you are struggling and will be able to see if there is anything they can do for you about this.

I would also talk to your academic advisor/personal tutor if you have one of these as they will be there for you and will be able to see if there is anything they can put in place for you with this. They can see if you can get any exceptional circumstances extensions or special consideration marks, although they may not be able to do this but they can try.

Talking to your Uni wellbeing team is a good idea too if you are feeling stressed. They will be there for you and will be able to help you and talk to you about this. It is their job to be there for you so make sure you ask them if there is anything they can do for you. It's just good to talk to someone so try and make an appointment with them.

In terms of keeping up, I know it sounds counterproductive when you have so much to do but try and just do a bit at a time. When you try and do so much at once, it probably won't go in as well so it is worth just taking it a bit at a time but make it more meaningful work.

I hope some of this helps and everything goes well for you,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 3

chrisychrisy

OP

3

Original post

by flowersinmyhair

Why is it taking you five to six hours to catch up one lecture?
I would recommend speaking to your GP about how the stress is affecting both your mental and physical health because they may be able to refer you on to further support and maybe give you medication.
I think you may need to remind yourself on how much you are paying to be in university, even if you don't go on to use your degree or the stuff you are learning it is (unless you are a Scottish student, studying in Scotland then scratch this argument).
How are you exams being assessed? (i.e. are they multiple choice, essay questions, etc.)

They are taking long because there's a lot of content and usually it doesn't take me that long. Before it would take me at least 2 hours to fully understand the lecture, but I think because my concentration is low and the fact that I'm stressed is contributing to the reason why I take so long. I have four essay questions to do, 3 of which are in person

Reply 4

Chester Student

12

Original post

by chrisychrisy

I am studying for my final exams which start next week and we have four courses. I'm feeling really overwhelmed because there is so much to get through and my attention span is getting lower. It takes me around 5-6 hours to finish one lecture and I still have so much to get through. I am so stressed right now and I've talked to a therapist because this stress is affecting me a lot, I'm struggling to eat, wake up and have chest pains. I'm scared to do resits as I have never had to do them and I'm scared what people around me would say if I do bad. All I know is that I will definitely fail because I'm behind on lectures. How do you cope with failure and how can you stay motivated when you know that everything your working hard for right now won't benefit you in the future.

Hi there,

I just want to second everything that has been said so far.

Do consider reaching out to someone at your university, as they might have advice or experience that will help you. This time of year is often super stressful, and I fully feel for you as I am feeling similarly.

Even if you do have to do resits, there is nothing wrong with that. I know a few people across different universities that have had to for various reasons, and I don't think less of them for it! Things happen, university is hard, and it is a super stressful time. Do be kind to yourself, you are trying your best!

Have you tried studying somewhere else? I find that when I attempt to get work done in my room, I am way less productive and work at a much slower pace. For me, the library helps to keep me motivated and on-track, and I often finish work quicker than I expect to. Would something like this work for you?

And lastly, keep your head up. Failure is just a part of life, but as long as you know you tried your best, you'll be okay. There are many benefits that come as a result of being in university, some of which you might not realize as they aren't so obvious. There is always a plus! Keep going, plan something to look forward to once all of your exams are done, and think about how great you will feel once it is all over!

Best of luck,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)

failing uni exams

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