Failing modules
I’ve failed 3 modules in the first year of uni and I feel utterly stupid and hopeless now. I feel like such a disappointed. I’ve applied for mitigating circumstances and I’ve been dealing with a lot of mental health issues and have been working to get these issues resolved. I jusy feel disgusted in myself that I’ve already so early on have failed so much.
Reply 1
The transition from A-Level (etc.) work to University work is tough, especially if you're dealing with circumstances which are distressing to you. Usually, the first year doesn't count too much towards the final degree, but it's a good opportunity for you to look at what you're studying and ask whether it's actually right for you. A lot of people have skills and find a lot more success in fields that they aren't actually studying. Academia isn't the right route for everyone, and there's nothing wrong with that. What are you studying?
Hey,
Failing modules does not make you stupid, lazy or a disappointment. It usually means something significant was getting in the way, and you have already identified that your mental health played a part. That matters. First year is one of the most common points at which students struggle. The shift in independence, pace and expectations can be overwhelming, especially alongside anxiety, depression or burnout. Universities know this, which is why mitigating circumstances exist.
It may help to separate what happened from what you are telling yourself about it. What happened is that you failed three modules during a period of poor mental health. What your mind is adding is that you are stupid, hopeless or a disappointment. Those are not facts, they are shame responses. They feel convincing, but they are not objective truths about your ability or potential.
This is not the end of your degree. Most universities have clear processes for resits, repeating modules, progressing with support or, if needed, repeating the year. Many students fail first year modules and still go on to graduate and do well. In many cases, first year does not contribute to the final classification. You are also already doing the difficult and important part by acknowledging your mental health, seeking support and applying for mitigation. That shows maturity and effort, even if it does not feel like it.
Please consider speaking to your personal tutor, academic adviser or student wellbeing team and be honest about how this has affected you. You can say that you have applied for mitigation and are struggling with motivation but want help moving forward. You do not need to carry this alone. Feeling disgusted with yourself usually comes from caring deeply and being afraid of what this means. You do not need punishment, you need support, stability and time. You are not broken. You are a student who has struggled, and that is something that can be worked through.
Good Luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative
Failing modules does not make you stupid, lazy or a disappointment. It usually means something significant was getting in the way, and you have already identified that your mental health played a part. That matters. First year is one of the most common points at which students struggle. The shift in independence, pace and expectations can be overwhelming, especially alongside anxiety, depression or burnout. Universities know this, which is why mitigating circumstances exist.
It may help to separate what happened from what you are telling yourself about it. What happened is that you failed three modules during a period of poor mental health. What your mind is adding is that you are stupid, hopeless or a disappointment. Those are not facts, they are shame responses. They feel convincing, but they are not objective truths about your ability or potential.
This is not the end of your degree. Most universities have clear processes for resits, repeating modules, progressing with support or, if needed, repeating the year. Many students fail first year modules and still go on to graduate and do well. In many cases, first year does not contribute to the final classification. You are also already doing the difficult and important part by acknowledging your mental health, seeking support and applying for mitigation. That shows maturity and effort, even if it does not feel like it.
Please consider speaking to your personal tutor, academic adviser or student wellbeing team and be honest about how this has affected you. You can say that you have applied for mitigation and are struggling with motivation but want help moving forward. You do not need to carry this alone. Feeling disgusted with yourself usually comes from caring deeply and being afraid of what this means. You do not need punishment, you need support, stability and time. You are not broken. You are a student who has struggled, and that is something that can be worked through.
Good Luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 3
Original post
by skullgunk04The transition from A-Level (etc.) work to University work is tough, especially if you're dealing with circumstances which are distressing to you. Usually, the first year doesn't count too much towards the final degree, but it's a good opportunity for you to look at what you're studying and ask whether it's actually right for you. A lot of people have skills and find a lot more success in fields that they aren't actually studying. Academia isn't the right route for everyone, and there's nothing wrong with that. What are you studying?
Learning about but I don’t know if the academic route is the way for me and I feel really guilty about all this as my mum is helping me pay for my degree through all the hard work she has done throughout many years and just dropping out first year would feel absolutely horrible to her and to myself. Deep down I do feel like I do want to continue but the stress of all this is adding to my everyday anxiety that I have. I think the best thing for me to do is talk to the wellbeing team at my uni and see what they say. Many thanks!
Reply 4
Original post
by AnonymousI’ve failed 3 modules in the first year of uni and I feel utterly stupid and hopeless now. I feel like such a disappointed. I’ve applied for mitigating circumstances and I’ve been dealing with a lot of mental health issues and have been working to get these issues resolved. I jusy feel disgusted in myself that I’ve already so early on have failed so much.
Hi,
I’m really sorry you’re feeling like this. Failing modules doesn’t make you stupid or a disappointment, even though I know it can feel that way right now. University can be a huge adjustment, and dealing with mental health challenges at the same time makes it even harder.
The fact that you’ve applied for mitigating circumstances and are actively trying to get support already shows that you’re taking steps to deal with it, which is something to be proud of.
First year is often the time when people figure things out, and many students struggle at some point during their degree. It doesn’t define your ability or your future. What matters more is that you’re recognising what’s been difficult and trying to address it.
Please try to be kinder to yourself. You’re clearly going through a lot, and you deserve support, not self-criticism. Things can improve from here, and this moment doesn’t determine the rest of your university experience. I’m here for you if you want to talk about it or just need someone to listen. 💛
Izzy (3rd Year Chemistry Student ambassador at Lancaster University)
Reply 5
Original post
by AnonymousI’ve failed 3 modules in the first year of uni and I feel utterly stupid and hopeless now. I feel like such a disappointed. I’ve applied for mitigating circumstances and I’ve been dealing with a lot of mental health issues and have been working to get these issues resolved. I jusy feel disgusted in myself that I’ve already so early on have failed so much.
Hi,
I just wanted to say that what you’re describing is a lot more common than it feels. I went through something very similar in my first year. I was on top of everything during the first semester, but after Christmas I fell behind, started using extensions, and it all snowballed until I felt like I couldn’t catch up.
What helped me the most was reaching out to student support. At Teesside, we had 1‑to‑1 sessions where someone sat down with me, helped me break down all my work, prioritise what needed doing first, and make a realistic plan for catching up and preparing for exams. Most universities have an equivalent service through academic support, learning advisors, or the wellbeing team, so it’s absolutely worth using.
A few things you might find helpful:
•
Having someone help you organise your workload makes everything feel less overwhelming.
•
Prioritising the most urgent and essential tasks prevents burnout.
•
Support services can also help with the mental health side, especially when falling behind starts to affect motivation.
You’ve already taken the hardest step by acknowledging what’s going on and seeking help. You don’t need to catch up all at once, you just need a plan and the right support. You’re definitely not alone, and it is possible to get back on track without burning out.
-Chloe
Reply 6
Original post
by AnonymousI’ve failed 3 modules in the first year of uni and I feel utterly stupid and hopeless now. I feel like such a disappointed. I’ve applied for mitigating circumstances and I’ve been dealing with a lot of mental health issues and have been working to get these issues resolved. I jusy feel disgusted in myself that I’ve already so early on have failed so much.
Hi there,
I am sorry to hear that you have been feeling like this! I completely understand how you feel, but try and remember that uni is such a big change from anything you will have done before so don't be too disheartened as it can just take a bit of getting used to.
My best piece of advice is just ask any questions that you have. When I was in my first year I was so scared to ask questions as I didn't want to be annoying/ I felt like I should know the answers so didn't want to ask in case people thought I was stupid but the reality is that nobody will think that and it is so important to ask! If you are ever stuck make sure you ask as it will really help in the long run.
If you are ever really stuck and are struggling, please reach out to the student support team as this is what they are here for and they will be able to help you and support you. They will have helped so many similar students so will be able to offer you advice which will help.
You could also ask your peers if you are ever struggling as I am sure they would help you. I'm sure you would hep them, so there is no reason why they wouldn't help you in the same way. It is worth asking and it might reassure you if people are feeling the same way!
Try not to worry and it will get better once you get into the swing of uni and how to write your assignments in order to get the best grade you can. You will look back on this and you will have come so far - it happens to more people you would think so don't be disheartened.
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
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