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Reply 3
1.
both being a primary school teacher and studying International Politics / higher education is very impressive and shouldn't contradict one another! as the previous comment suggested, you can still retake GCSE science without dropping out of university if you're still hesitant to do so. in fact, it might give you more motivation because you know you're working towards multiple great things! (not sure about workload though)
2.
although I haven't yet been to uni myself, I've been catching up with some of my friends who went and they're all struggling a lot with balancing life (which is totally normal bc it's everyone's first time being left with so much freedom / independant work!) I'd say, gathering info from my friends, that though there are rough times, there are good memories too. for example, joining random societies and meeting random people from other courses made my friends so much more comfortable! though I too am quite worried about my uni not meeting my expectations next year.. but all in all I'd say that uni (at least first year) is meant to be enjoyable, bc technically, the people you meet + live with (if you're in dorms) will be your network for the next 10 years. if you feel like theres room for improvement, I'd say stay for now, if not, you still have until January to reapply + until June to retake GCSEs!!
3.
more on the gap year side of things -- I'm currently not enjoying it as well as I though I would. I applied for deferred entry, but that was only because my family cannot afford international student tuition so I have to wait a year until I get citizenship. It was a sudden decision for me too, and I had absolutely nothing in plan. I thought it would be easy to get a job bc I'm young and quite literally eager to do anything, but it's so competitive out here that I haven't even heard back from 98% of these employers (min wage jobs btw). if your family is quite financially comfortable, I'd say you wouldn't have much to worry about gap years as most fun activities will be available as long as you can afford it (some of my classmates are volunteering / solo travelling abroad). So yeah, ig this would be one concern to thing about gap years. but if you do decide to take a break & need a travel companion do let me know!! I'm dying to leave my house
4.
for education / teaching I wouldn't recommend degree apprenticeships either, they really do expect a lot from their apprentices (for me it was engineering employers -- horrible competition) on the other hand, I would recommend that if you do take a year out, reapply for uni + maybe do some childcare / emergency aid courses at a local college (e.g. south thames college group if you're based in london, many are free for 19+). I wanted to babysit part time at a childcare place and they were quite strict on having these qualifications so I'd say definitely get a headstart on this!! even do work experience if you can!!
5.
based off of the fact that you said Int. Politics was a sudden decision, I def think that you have it harder than your peers who knew what they were getting into, so don't worry if you feel discouraged / behind. if you really can't handle it, I'd say come up with a detailed plan (e.g. retake GCSE science + childcare qualifications + extra random hobbies + possible work + possible reapplying for different uni) for your next few months and your parents will be just as proud! imo I'd want my child to feel like they have a sense of direction / motivation in what they want to pursue, than working too hard on something that they don't feel drawn to.

Reply 4

Reply 5
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Your module tutor – to go over assignments you’re struggling with and understand expectations more clearly.
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Your personal tutor – to discuss how the course differs from what you enjoyed at A-Level and how it’s impacting your wellbeing.
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The wellbeing team – for a chat about how you’re feeling and the options available to you.
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