How's it going for all the newbie students

[Deleted User]

I just wanted to know how everyone is getting on starting their courses, I know there are a fair few Social work students out there, like me and wondered how you were all getting on (not just SW students)

I've been there for 2 weeks now and I feel scared overwhelmed and out of my depth. Am I the only one? I've got my first assignment which isn#t marked, it's just to see where we are essay writing wise, but all I feel at the moment is that I've made the wrong choice!.

Bit of a self indulgent thread I know but feel free to post how you're all doing, especially if you're loving it.

SL x

alwaysonthego_2

I am in my second year now of an education degree and remember in the first few weeks completely scared and out of my depth. But you do adjust, meet new people and aslong as you work hard and try your best then you won't go far wrong.

Wiggynut

I've not really started yet!
freshers this week which I've found to be disorganised and rather boring! (I'm 37!)

Course induction for the whole of next week... why a whole week??? then the following week is when it all starts - 13th oct... wish it would get a move on.
I've only met one other person who is on my course and he wants to change - he's on some kind of euro exchange for 6 months.

I'm sure I will panic and feel out of my depth too... I left school at 15 and never really did essays etc (tutors on strike all the time and no work in classes either so it's not like I'm used to studying etc)
I did do a small OU essay practice course so thankfully not totally 'new' to essay writing!

well tomorrow I've got the extra course that you are allowed to do for free... screen printing - odd how that starts before my actual degree course, lol

hopefully, I'll get my student card, timetable, book list etc next week too!

good luck all

lilysgarden

Hey SallyLizzie!

Don't worry about feeling out of your depth, everyone feels like that no matter what level their studying at! I graduated my social work degree this year and am now looking for a job, so if you (or any other sw students!) want to email me to chat about anything, feel free to pm me on here. I'm more than happy to answer any worries and help any way I can! Believe me you guys are in for a busy three years so enjoy the peace and quiet of your first few months!

Best piece of advice I can give ANY new student, is work hard in your first year and don't be afraid to ask for help, no matter what it actually is that your struggling with. The second year gets much harder, so by working harder from the start, it doesn't seem such a steep leap to year two. And remember that the uni is a business and they want you to pass, so they will help in any way they can. Whether your having personal issues, financial, or struggling with essays, the tutors are the most approachable and helpful people ever. I've talked to mine about literally every issue thats happened in my life since starting my studies and they've been absolutely amazing!

Goood luck to you all, Nik xxx

Lokolo

Yeh lots of students find things boring or whatever in first few weeks as they were expecting a lot more but meh.

At the moment I am looking for work placements! Have found and applied to one, and in the process of applying to another (gotta do covering letter etc. urgh).

Hopefully I will get one of those 2 though urgh second year sucks

[Deleted User]

Our introduction week has lasted over 2 weeks and it seems to have been really long, parts where I've learned something and parts where I've sat in a lecture hall and been told the same thing over and over that I was already told. I understand it's all about getting you organised in your induction but I do feel that 2 weeks was too long.

I like you Wiggynut am a mature student and if I feel that induction is mainly aimed at the younger students, most of who seem disorganised to say the least.

My feelings will probsbly dissapear in weeks to come, but I was not prepared for them in the first place as this is something I've wanted for so long.

SL x

Mike1989

I'm a young student, second year at uni, studying history. Had the induction and it lasted two weeks, first week was getting everything sorted like modules and all that jazz, second week was going to the modules and they gave an introduction. Although it was boring and I would have rather got straight into it, it did serve a purpose and was useful. But I do think that the induction weeks are more aimed at those staying at the uni than traveling in, because you have freshers were everyone, well, lets say get drunk near enough every night and the first two weeks is to make sure they don't mess up from the start.

jimiandgem

Just starting my second year of a maths degree, my couple days were very much induction, but then the hard work really hit home.

With regards to the original post, i think a lot of people feel overwhelmed in the beginning of their first yeah, its a massive change. However, ive also found that these are the people who do well, because they have realised that it may be a little hard and they'll have to put the work in, and the rewards come because of that :0)

id be far more worried if you were having too much fun and finding everything a breeze.

Jimi

MrsManda

Just finished my first full week of lectures and already have had two assignments handed in and an essay due for the 13th. On top of that all my modules have worksheets and interactive online tests which need doing prior to labs and tutorials.
I know I shouldn't be but I'm amazed at how much work I've got already!
Commuting to and from london for an hour each way doesn't help I suppose but I think it'll get better when I've got a routine organised

Take a few deep breaths when feeling bogged down, go for a walk then come back to it. If you feel that it's getting on top of you and in a few weeks you have work piling up and struggling to get into a routine please please please talk to someone. If you can, talk to your personal tutor it's their job to help. If you feel uncomfortable doing that speak to your university counselling service. They'll be able to help you with study techniques, budgetting (time as well as money), and teach you a few stress-relieving exercises. They are confidential services so there's no chance of your tutors finding out unless you want them to.

We'll all make it and it'll be worth it

[Deleted User]

I've jst taken the weekend away from uni, not looked at my assignment in order to clear my mind. I feel so much more relaxed and have a few ideas on where to go with it.

Uni is a scary place, I think I just need to take a deep breath because I can't go on dealing with every piece of work by falling apart or I'll melt down and end up falling apart.

Thank you to everyone who posted, you all gave me something to think about.

Hope everyone's course continues to go well and wish everyone the best.

SL x

surfsister

Sallylizzie wrote: »

I just wanted to know how everyone is getting on starting their courses, I know there are a fair few Social work students out there, like me and wondered how you were all getting on (not just SW students)

I've been there for 2 weeks now and I feel scared overwhelmed and out of my depth. Am I the only one? I've got my first assignment which isn#t marked, it's just to see where we are essay writing wise, but all I feel at the moment is that I've made the wrong choice!.

Bit of a self indulgent thread I know but feel free to post how you're all doing, especially if you're loving it.

SL x

Please don't feel that way I am told most students feel that way at first but hide it well. I feel the same way but also love it too! Enjoy and osdn't worry I'm sure it all sound more daunting than it really is.

We can all do it together I'm sure! big hug