Second year not sure what to do with uni

I’m in my second year of a Russell group uni, studying a humanities degree and I’ve just hit a bit of a plateau. I loved my subject at A level but not at uni. I don’t know what I want to do with my life and im finding my degree hard. I didn’t do well in first year academically or socially, my mental health affected my grades but I still managed to pass everything with no resits. Socially this year has been a lot better but I’m losing all motivation. My modules are boring, essays are tough and there’s just so much to get done. I’m struggling to complete it all because I don’t have a plan for the end. Even though things are better socially I’m still struggling a little with certain cliquey people. Dropping out isn’t really an option so I’m just looking for some advice.

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in my second year of a Russell group uni, studying a humanities degree and I’ve just hit a bit of a plateau. I loved my subject at A level but not at uni. I don’t know what I want to do with my life and im finding my degree hard. I didn’t do well in first year academically or socially, my mental health affected my grades but I still managed to pass everything with no resits. Socially this year has been a lot better but I’m losing all motivation. My modules are boring, essays are tough and there’s just so much to get done. I’m struggling to complete it all because I don’t have a plan for the end. Even though things are better socially I’m still struggling a little with certain cliquey people. Dropping out isn’t really an option so I’m just looking for some advice.

Hi,

It’s completely understandable to feel a bit stuck. University can be very different from A-levels, and it’s normal to struggle when the content isn’t as engaging or the workload feels heavy.

I’d recommend creating a clear plan for your remaining modules. Break essays and assessments into smaller, manageable tasks with deadlines, and focus on what’s most important rather than trying to do everything at once. Talking to your personal tutor or module leaders about strategies for managing coursework can also be really helpful.

If you’re unsure about what comes after your degree, speaking to your university careers advisor can give you perspective. Short-term opportunities like internships, volunteering, or side projects in areas that interest you can also help you explore options.

It’s equally important to look after your mental health. Your university’s wellbeing services can offer support, and setting aside time for things you enjoy can help prevent burnout and manage stress.

Socially, it’s fine to focus on friendships that feel supportive and step back from groups that drain you. Taking care of yourself while tackling your studies can make the workload feel more manageable and give you space to consider your next steps.

Wishing you all the best,

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 2

Manchester Met - Student Rep

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in my second year of a Russell group uni, studying a humanities degree and I’ve just hit a bit of a plateau. I loved my subject at A level but not at uni. I don’t know what I want to do with my life and im finding my degree hard. I didn’t do well in first year academically or socially, my mental health affected my grades but I still managed to pass everything with no resits. Socially this year has been a lot better but I’m losing all motivation. My modules are boring, essays are tough and there’s just so much to get done. I’m struggling to complete it all because I don’t have a plan for the end. Even though things are better socially I’m still struggling a little with certain cliquey people. Dropping out isn’t really an option so I’m just looking for some advice.

Hey!
It sounds like you’re going through a very common, yet really tough, situation. That second-year feeling of lost motivation is so real. You’ve actually done incredibly well to pass Year 1 without resits while dealing with mental health struggles. Give yourself credit!

Here is a clear plan focusing on breaking through this slump:
Action Plan to Regain Control
1. Find the “Why” (Career Motivation)
The biggest block right now is the lack of an end goal, and that kills motivation.
Book a Career Advisor Session: Go to the Careers Service this week. They will show you the amazing, diverse job roles that your humanities degree actually prepares you for.
2. Study Smart (Academic Strategy)
Don’t try to read everything; focus on high-impact work to reduce stress.
Be firm with readings: Only read the required materials for your next seminar. For essays, read only the sources that directly support your argument. It’s okay to skim the rest.
Get Targeted Essay Help: Since essays are tough, visit the Academic Skills Centre. Ask them to help you specifically with critical analysis and structuring arguments. Improving these two skills will quickly boost your grades and confidence.
3. Manage the Social Environment
Since your social life is better, but cliques are still annoying, control your focus.
Invest in the Good: Keep spending time with the friends you’ve made this year who aren’t cliquey. Their positive energy gives you stability.
Ignore the Small Stuff: You can’t control others’ social dynamics. Don’t let their small groups and behaviour affect your overall happiness or energy. Focus on your goals and your reliable friendships.

You are smart and capable; you proved that by passing Year 1. You just need to reconnect your daily efforts to a bigger, motivating plan, and these steps will help you actively build it.

Hope this helps!😊
Rachel
(Third year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism

Reply 3

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in my second year of a Russell group uni, studying a humanities degree and I’ve just hit a bit of a plateau. I loved my subject at A level but not at uni. I don’t know what I want to do with my life and im finding my degree hard. I didn’t do well in first year academically or socially, my mental health affected my grades but I still managed to pass everything with no resits. Socially this year has been a lot better but I’m losing all motivation. My modules are boring, essays are tough and there’s just so much to get done. I’m struggling to complete it all because I don’t have a plan for the end. Even though things are better socially I’m still struggling a little with certain cliquey people. Dropping out isn’t really an option so I’m just looking for some advice.

Hi there,

I'm sorry that you have been feeling this way. Uni can be hard and I've struggled whilst being here too so I just wanted to share some things which have helped and may help you too:

•

Try and make a plan. This doesn't need to be a plan for after uni because you just need to focus on what you are doing now and things will fall into place. Try and make a plan for each module and assignment so you can see how you are going to get them done and it will work out.

•

Talk to people if you are struggling. Talk to your module tutors if you are struggling with the work, or talk to a student support advisor as they are there to help you and will be able to discuss how you are feeling which may help you start to feel a bit more understood.

•

Talk to people around you too such as friends or peers on your course and your family and friends at home. This always helped me feel a bit less overwhelmed which is always nice when you are feeling stressed and busy with uni work.

•

Make fun plans. As well as planning uni assignments, try and plan some fun things too so you have things to look forward to!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 4

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in my second year of a Russell group uni, studying a humanities degree and I’ve just hit a bit of a plateau. I loved my subject at A level but not at uni. I don’t know what I want to do with my life and im finding my degree hard. I didn’t do well in first year academically or socially, my mental health affected my grades but I still managed to pass everything with no resits. Socially this year has been a lot better but I’m losing all motivation. My modules are boring, essays are tough and there’s just so much to get done. I’m struggling to complete it all because I don’t have a plan for the end. Even though things are better socially I’m still struggling a little with certain cliquey people. Dropping out isn’t really an option so I’m just looking for some advice.

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a challenging time at uni so far, especially when you were so passionate about your subject of choice at A-Level. Have you spoken to your personal tutor yet? They may be able to give you some advice on your modules/essays and can point you in the direction of any available academic support services. As mentioned above, your university's Careers Service may also be able to provide you a clearer insight on graduation opportunities, which might help increase your motivation.

Make sure to reach out to your friends and family where possible, and spend more time with the friends you've got to know better over the past few months. Consider arranging group study sessions or talking to those around you about their plans after uni to try and combine your academic and social life.

Hope this helps and best of luck with the rest of the year!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 5

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in my second year of a Russell group uni, studying a humanities degree and I’ve just hit a bit of a plateau. I loved my subject at A level but not at uni. I don’t know what I want to do with my life and im finding my degree hard. I didn’t do well in first year academically or socially, my mental health affected my grades but I still managed to pass everything with no resits. Socially this year has been a lot better but I’m losing all motivation. My modules are boring, essays are tough and there’s just so much to get done. I’m struggling to complete it all because I don’t have a plan for the end. Even though things are better socially I’m still struggling a little with certain cliquey people. Dropping out isn’t really an option so I’m just looking for some advice.

Hi there,

I am Elmehdi, a current third-year student at De Montfort University. I am really sorry you’re not having the best time at university. It is very common for second-year students to feel burnt out or feel like they are not performing at their best. But you need to know that you are doing an amazing job. You are almost finished, and you have come a long way, so give yourself the credit you deserve.

It’s normal to feel demotivated sometimes or even lose interest in continuing, but you should always remember why you started in the first place. Motivation is temporary, and trying to stay motivated all the time can actually become unhealthy. You might think being motivated constantly will work, but the most important part of your journey is discipline.

We are often told to focus on motivation and neglect discipline, but discipline is fundamental to achieving any success in life. My advice, as a university student who has been in the same position as you, is to keep your goal in mind, stay consistent. Once you graduate, you will be proud of yourself.

Another thing I wish I had done in my second year is to set small goals and aim to achieve them. This helps you stay on track with your time and responsibilities. For example, aiming for a certain mark in a module or committing to reading a specific book. These small wins will keep you moving forward.

I’ve tried to address the things I found helpful during university, but remember to reflect on your day-to-day life and always learn from your experiences. Instead of feeling bad when something happens, learn from it and make sure it doesn’t happen again. We are all learning, so everything will be okay in the end. You can also reach out to friends within your course or Mental health and well-being, talk about your experience, and you will find support during this period.

Best wishes,
Elmehdi - Dmu representative

Reply 6

EssexStudentRep

Official Rep

14

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in my second year of a Russell group uni, studying a humanities degree and I’ve just hit a bit of a plateau. I loved my subject at A level but not at uni. I don’t know what I want to do with my life and im finding my degree hard. I didn’t do well in first year academically or socially, my mental health affected my grades but I still managed to pass everything with no resits. Socially this year has been a lot better but I’m losing all motivation. My modules are boring, essays are tough and there’s just so much to get done. I’m struggling to complete it all because I don’t have a plan for the end. Even though things are better socially I’m still struggling a little with certain cliquey people. Dropping out isn’t really an option so I’m just looking for some advice.

Hi @Anonymous 👋

Hope you are well. I am sorry to hear you are feeling that way. It does happen to most people eventually unfortunately but there is always a way to make sure you feel back to normal later. I would suggest to talk to your wellbeing service and talk to your personal tutor or academic advisor as they will help you manage everything and get back on track. If you are truly finding the course boring, you need to talk to your advisor and see what you could do next and also remember that a level is different from University and it is a big jump as well! The subject will be more advanced and detailed in University whereas the a level content will be more of a basic overview.

Friends wise, you could try to join any societies or hang out events to talk to some people. It is not easy to make friends and everyone is different, some people make friends quickly and easily whereas some make them longer down the road and that is ok. Try approaching people first at social events first and it will be easier since people will also feel nervous to talk to others so it helps if you approach them 😊

Essex Student Rep - Lavanya 💜

Reply 7

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Anonymous

I’m in my second year of a Russell group uni, studying a humanities degree and I’ve just hit a bit of a plateau. I loved my subject at A level but not at uni. I don’t know what I want to do with my life and im finding my degree hard. I didn’t do well in first year academically or socially, my mental health affected my grades but I still managed to pass everything with no resits. Socially this year has been a lot better but I’m losing all motivation. My modules are boring, essays are tough and there’s just so much to get done. I’m struggling to complete it all because I don’t have a plan for the end. Even though things are better socially I’m still struggling a little with certain cliquey people. Dropping out isn’t really an option so I’m just looking for some advice.

Hey, thank you for sharing this. What you are experiencing is very common, especially in second year, and it does not mean you are failing or doing something wrong. As a University of Southampton student ambassador, I have spoken to many students who felt exactly like this. Passing first year with no resits while managing mental health challenges is a real achievement, even if it does not feel that way right now. Second year can feel heavier because the work matters more, expectations rise, and the initial excitement has faded.
Here is a practical way to move forward. First, try to reconnect your degree to a future direction, even if it is only loosely. Booking a session with the Careers Service can really help. They can show you career paths you may not have considered and help you see the value of your humanities skills. Second, study smarter rather than harder. Focus on core readings, be selective with sources, and get support from academic skills or writing services for essays, especially structure and critical analysis. Small improvements here can make work feel more manageable. Finally, socially, keep investing in the people who make you feel comfortable and supported, and allow yourself to step back from cliques that drain your energy. You do not need to love every part of your degree to succeed. Sometimes the goal is simply to keep going, build skills, and look after yourself while you do it.

Anusha
University of Southampton Ambassador

Second year not sure what to do with uni

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