This is my second semester at a university. I hated it last semester, mostly because I didn’t know anyone and just found it difficult to adjust. This semester is better for me socially since I have friends now and have gotten used to living on my own, but I’m doing terrible in almost all of my classes. I’m taking 14 credits, 6 classes, and I have a part time job since I don’t really get financial support from my parents and I’m just completely overwhelmed. I’ve failed exams, which I’ve never done in my life, and they’re for classes that I need in order to get into nursing school. With essays due every week, tons of exams happening at once, and making time to attend all of my classes as well as watch online lectures I just can’t function anymore. Half the time I can’t even find the energy to attend my classes, I just can’t really make myself care like I know I should. I’m barely getting any sleep and everything is looking pretty bleak right now. I considered switching majors for a while but now I’m kind of thinking about dropping out completely or at the very least switching to a community college because I don’t feel like I can handle any more of this. I’m stressed beyond belief and feel like crying or screaming basically 24/7. I don’t want to move back home which is basically the only thing motivating me to try and stay in school but I don’t know how much longer I can take this.
taking a leave of absence from you current college and continuing to study at a CC would probably be a really good idea for you, if that is feasible.
you have too much on your plate right now and burning the candles on both ends will not end well for you.
Listen to what you are saying here- there is no rush to get into nursing school .
college is hard! harder than many students think it will be.
so take deeeeep, deeeep breathes, step back, and think about what you can realistically handle.
then follow your gut.
Take a break, take a step back, and think about what’s best for you.
I’d second the idea from post #1. A lot of people have a hard time adjusting when they first start college and you’re definitely not alone in struggling. If finances are tight then why not switch to community college for a few years and then transfer back to a four year college? Once you transfer back if you have more money saved you could cut back on working during school.
Do you have to pay per unit or do you pay a set tuition? If you pay per unit then why not take fewer credits next quarter to decrease the stress some (if you choose to not go the CC route).
I agree. You can become an RN with an AA degree from a CC. The coursework might be a little easier and the instructors expect and take into consideration that most CC students have jobs. Do try to finish the semester if you can.
It actually looks better to get the Bachelors if you’re tryna become a RN.
Anyway, don’t give up college just because you feel down about it now!
It usually takes some time before people fit in and adjust to a new situation!
How many hours are you working? Sounds like it is necessary for you to work, but make sure you aren’t working more than necessary. If you are missing class for work or too tired to go to class, then it’s too much. If it takes that many hours to support yourself, you may be at a college that is unaffordable for you.
When you schedule your classes in the future, try to balance difficult classes with a few easier ones, essay and project classes with a few that are more lecture oriented with quizzes/tests. Nursing majors can be very tough though. It is not unusual to decide it is too difficult. Nursing requires a combination of STEM knowledge and emotional intelligence that is less common than people realize. You have to have both.
Many, many hospitals will hire an associates degree nurse and provide tuition reimbursement to complete your BSN. It depends on the area of the country you live in and how much of a nursing shortage there is there. Because of this some CC programs can be difficult to get into.