First year of college sucked. Class of 2023

Student Lounge College Life
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1

I just finished my first year of college and it was terrible. Last semester, I failed my Modern European History class now this semester also which is Calculus. I took 18 credits this semester which is six classes including the class I failed last semester. By the way I am a computer science major. I am really considering changing my major but at the same time no other one interests me more than computer science. I feel very lost at this point. Plus, I was going through anxiety issues and was doing virtual therapy sessions this semester. I don’t know what to do. I messed up last semester now this semester and I’m honestly thinking that college is not for me.

I know it’s my fault but at the same time I had to switch to online so abruptly and it was something that I had to adapt to so fast. Taking classes on campus, I had a balance and it was easy to hold myself accountable for not getting things done. Now I am doing everything at home where there is so many distractions. I’m just over everything at this point

2

I’m sorry that you had such a hard time last year and have such doubts now. It is totally understandable.

I’m glad you found a resource and got into some therapy. My advice would be to definitely continue with this and make it a priority over summer to focus on your mental health.

I’m not sure that it is wise to make any big/future-affecting decisions right now, after such an off time that spring semester turned out to be. IF fall is online, colleges will have had much more time to work things out and make it a (hopefully) better experience. That said, it is true that college is not for everyone. I’m just not sure that the crazy circumstances of spring semester gives you (or anyone) much good info to use for making future decisions.

Another piece of advice is to reconsider the high amounts of credits you are taking. But most importantly, give yourself a break, take care of yourself, and maybe sit back about making any big decisions until you know what your school is going to do in the fall. Good luck!

3

Virtual therapy ?

If I understand, that means that no blood tests have been taken ?

You may need an in person visit with a medical professional who can prescribe medications/drugs/test for vitamin & other deficiencies.

Since your condition is “anxiety”, you need an in-person visit with an MD or a psychiatrist (a shrink can prescribe drugs / medications while a psychologist cannot).

You may have vitamin deficiency or a chemical imbalance which is correctable.

I am not a qualified medical professional so take my suggestions with caution.

4

So you failed Euro History, and then the next semester you took and overload of credits? That does not sound like you are setting yourself up for success.

Last semester, it must have been clear Euro His was not going well. What did you change? Did you go to office hours? Get a tutor?
If you say that you didn’t because of anxiety, then you have to get your anxiety under control.

Did you say you failed Calc? Can you take it over the summer?

  1. Think about what caused the bad grade.
    Did you go to class?
    Did you read the book?
    Did you not study enough?
    Did you not study effectively?
    Did you party too much?
    Did you work too much?
    Did you play sports too much?
    Did you play video games too much?
    Did your HS not prepare you?
    Did you have health issues?
    Did you have mental health issues?
    Did you have boyfriend/girlfriend health issues?

When you had the first bad test…what did you do? The same?

  1. Understand that at college, for every 1 hour in the classroom, you are expected to study/read/do homework for 2-3 hours. So a 3 credit class should require 6-9 hours outside the classroom per week. So for a typical 15 credit semester, that is a full time job of school and outside reading etc.

  2. Understand that colleges want you to succeed. Colleges have many tools/programs to help you.
    Professor office hours. Professors literally are sitting in their offices having set aside time to help you on that class.
    Tutors: Your college has a free tutoring center
    Writing or Math Centers
    also there is Khan Academy online

  3. Read this for more ideas http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html

  4. Set yourself up for success. Are you doing well in Comp sci? Can you avoid history classes?

  5. Talk to your advisor about what classes you should be taking.