Scared about failing Uni
hi im heading into first year uni at Durham studying biological science. I am really worried about failing even though i study every day. I dont know how to cope with it and I am just very anxious that a part of me has this feeling.
Reply 1
Original post
by BatmanGta2019hi im heading into first year uni at Durham studying biological science. I am really worried about failing even though i study every day. I dont know how to cope with it and I am just very anxious that a part of me has this feeling.
Hi @BatmanGta2019
Firstly, well done for getting into uni! Don't underestimate the work you put in and the skills that you need to have to get a place on the course.
Secondly, it is completely normal to be feeling worried about it as it is a new course, and completely different style of teaching, learning and assessments. It sounds like you are already working hard, so continue this but also make sure you have breaks to enjoy university life. Make sure you keep on top of all of your work, particularly directed tasks and reading as this will help you to extend your knowledge.
If you are particularly worried about any topic contact the lecturers to ask for extra support. There will also likely be services across the university who can help you develop your academic skills which is a key part of succeeding at university.
Hope that helps and good luck for your course!
Sophie.
BCU Student Rep.
Reply 2
Its ok to be unsure. Uni is a lot less structured than school/college. Lecturers dont care if you turn up to lectures/labs - unlike at school when an email would be sent home to your parents if you skipped school. You are expected to 'sort yourself out' - teachers will not provide study plans or guidance.
Its ok, for a STEM subject its pretty full on - 2-3 hours of lectures in the am followed by 2-3 hours of lab work every afternoon (except Wednesdays). Usually the lecture material for that week will be posted in advance for class xx and class yy. You will also have a lab manual for each module so its easy (with a little organisation) to get ahead of the game. Simply read the lecture material the day BEFORE each class so that you are not hearing it for the first time when attending the lecture. Ditto the labs; read what experiment you will be undertaking the day before the lab so that you are not going in cold and then reading the instructions whilst everyone else is whizzing around getting on with it.
Finally, get into the habit of finding a quiet place to study - library is best and force yourself to go there daily so that you form good habits of sitting in the library regularly to read the material for the next day or even read the textbook chapter in advance.
Once you form these habits you will not find uni so daunting.
Its ok, for a STEM subject its pretty full on - 2-3 hours of lectures in the am followed by 2-3 hours of lab work every afternoon (except Wednesdays). Usually the lecture material for that week will be posted in advance for class xx and class yy. You will also have a lab manual for each module so its easy (with a little organisation) to get ahead of the game. Simply read the lecture material the day BEFORE each class so that you are not hearing it for the first time when attending the lecture. Ditto the labs; read what experiment you will be undertaking the day before the lab so that you are not going in cold and then reading the instructions whilst everyone else is whizzing around getting on with it.
Finally, get into the habit of finding a quiet place to study - library is best and force yourself to go there daily so that you form good habits of sitting in the library regularly to read the material for the next day or even read the textbook chapter in advance.
Once you form these habits you will not find uni so daunting.
Reply 3
Original post
by BatmanGta2019hi im heading into first year uni at Durham studying biological science. I am really worried about failing even though i study every day. I dont know how to cope with it and I am just very anxious that a part of me has this feeling.
Hi @BatmanGta2019,
I'm sorry you are feeling like this and I know how easy it is to doubt yourself. It's only early on so it'll take some time to adjust to the new learning structure. You are on the course for a reason, so don't doubt yourself. You are working hard and studying so doing your best is all you can do. I would suggest it's always good to familiarise yourself with student support from early on so you know who to reach out to if you need support. Make the most of the support and services at university. Hope you start to feel better soon. You've got this! 🙂
Best wishes, ^Zac
Reply 4
Original post
by BatmanGta2019hi im heading into first year uni at Durham studying biological science. I am really worried about failing even though i study every day. I dont know how to cope with it and I am just very anxious that a part of me has this feeling.
Hi @BatmanGta2019. I am so sorry to hear about you feeling like this. I was a previous student and I want you to know that all these feelings are normal. I also felt like this. I tend to overthink too much and what helps me is also having a social life rather than studying so it takes my mind off failing. I would go out and eat and have milkshakes with my friends. I would also go bowling or cinemas with them to relieve my stress. It really helped me! I think you should try finding something that really interests you and make that your stress relief. Also, try and be positive. The grass is always greener on the other side.
Kiran
Reply 5
Original post
by BatmanGta2019hi im heading into first year uni at Durham studying biological science. I am really worried about failing even though i study every day. I dont know how to cope with it and I am just very anxious that a part of me has this feeling.
Hey. First of all, congratulations on starting your journey at Durham! 🥳 That’s a huge achievement, and it speaks volumes about your dedication and ability. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, especially when you care so much about doing well. But the fact that you’re already studying every day shows that you’re committed and proactive which is really important for success.
University is a big transition, and it’s okay to feel uncertain at times. You’re not alone, many students feel exactly the same way at the start. What matters most is that you’re showing up, putting in the effort, and being honest about how you’re feeling.
Durham has lots of levels of support, if you ever needed it. Your college is always your first point of contact, but departments offer their own academic support and Durham's Centre for Academic Development (DCAD) can help you with all of the academic skills you will need. I will put some links at the bottom of where you can go to seek some advice.
Try to be kind to yourself. Progress isn’t always linear, and learning to cope with challenges is part of the growth. If the work ever feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to your tutors, student support, or even peers. Durham has a strong community, and there are people who genuinely want to help.
You’ve got this.🌱
DCAD - Click Here.
College Contacts - Click Here.
Durham Rep, Mia
Reply 6
Original post
by BatmanGta2019hi im heading into first year uni at Durham studying biological science. I am really worried about failing even though i study every day. I dont know how to cope with it and I am just very anxious that a part of me has this feeling.
Hey,
Thank you for being open about how you're feeling!
I want you to know that what you're feeling is completely normal, and you are absolutely not alone. So many people feel this exact way before and after starting uni.
I know it feels like this sense of worry is a part of you, but the fact that you're already studying every day shows that you have the right mindset. Uni is a big step, but you're already on the right track just by being so dedicated.
The great thing is that universities have a ton of support for things like this. If the anxiety gets too much, you can always reach out to the student wellbeing services or your academic advisor; they're there to help.
Also, remember that uni isn't just about how much you study, but how you learn. You'll get the hang of it, and your hard work will pay off. Remember, try to take it one day at a time.
Good luck with everything! 😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
Reply 7
Hi! You already have so much brilliant advice here from people. If it makes you feel any better, I’m also coming to Durham to study Biological Sciences this Sunday and I feel the exact same way as you.
The jump from A levels to university (especially the lack of specification and less individual support) is both really exciting and nerve-racking as it’s such a big change from sixth form. Although I know that our marks in year 1 don’t count towards our degree classification, I still obviously want to do really well and it’s the fear of not knowing that really gets to me. If you would like to reach out I would love to talk, I hope you’re feeling better about it now but I must admit it was a bit relieving to see someone else in the same boat as me.
)
The jump from A levels to university (especially the lack of specification and less individual support) is both really exciting and nerve-racking as it’s such a big change from sixth form. Although I know that our marks in year 1 don’t count towards our degree classification, I still obviously want to do really well and it’s the fear of not knowing that really gets to me. If you would like to reach out I would love to talk, I hope you’re feeling better about it now but I must admit it was a bit relieving to see someone else in the same boat as me.
)Reply 8
Original post
by BatmanGta2019hi im heading into first year uni at Durham studying biological science. I am really worried about failing even though i study every day. I dont know how to cope with it and I am just very anxious that a part of me has this feeling.
Hi Batman,
Have you heard of Imposter Syndrome? Its very common among new students, especially if you've got into a high-performing uni like Durham, and involves feeling out of place coupled with a fear of failing. This does go away with time so try not to worry 🙂 trust me, I was feeling exactly as you described in my first few weeks.
However, it sounds like you've already got into some really good study habits and are doing all the right things. Just keep doing what you're doing, keeping up with your content, using your tutors and asking plenty of questions if you need to, keep notes up to date and read the journals (not forgetting to have some fun too), and you'll be fine.
Just think about how far you've come. Durham is a competitive place to get into and so if the admissions team didn't think you were good enough to thrive, you wouldn't have got your place - you've earned it.
Most people first starting uni tend to fear failing, and most also find their grades for the first few assignments aren't as good as they'd hoped - this is also a perfectly normal thing which reflects that everyone's just learning and getting used to the new style of writing. Just do the best you can do and make sure to get plenty of feedback, and you don't need to worry about failing.
I hope this helps!
University of Bath
Reply 9
Don't let worry steal your happiness. There's always a way forward, but considering your work every day-that's tremendous commitment, and you should achieve great things. Don't let education system pressure get you down, you have control and you will rise to the occasion. I think your worry shows how set you are on wanting to achieve the best for yourself, but don't overwork yourself.
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