First semester at college: Bad

[DaBudhaStank]

In terms of academics anyway. I think I may have, in fact, had NO CLUE what I was getting in to. College is much harder than I thought, and now that the first semester is coming to a close, I don't think I'll be getting credit for my Psych class, lol. My other grades aren't fantastic. I hear that a lot of people do poorly their first semester of college, but so far everyone I know is basically doing ok. Think I'll be alright? I sure as hell hope so.

[birdgirl73]

You'll be alright if you study. It is a lot harder than high school, and that takes some getting used to. I know a lot of people who had a rough first semester, me included. You have to get used to a level of work that probably wasn't expected of you in high school. My high school demanded nothing of us, I realized once I got to college.

If you don't feel ready or this semester causes your university/college to give you a temporary break, maybe it'd be worthwhile to do something else until you are ready to put in the sweat equity college demands. Better to save the outlandish tuition expense till you're ready to face that challenge.

[Dmo18]

it aint high school no more, you have to take it serious

you get out of it, what you put into it

[dragonrider]

The most important things that college teaches is how to set long-range goals, stick with them, and manage time so that you get everything done when you have a lot of competing priorities. It's the hardest thing you will learn, at least it was for me. If you get behind in a semester, it is a bitch to ever catch up, and usually you won't. So plan ahead and keep up. Get started on everything earlier than you think you hvae to.

[Ghengis Chron]

It's only your first semester man. You got a while. Just use this semester as an example and make sure you never put yourself in this situation again. Also, don't compare yourself to other people and how THEY did their first semester. Just because a lot of people do poorly their first semester doesn't change the fact that you did poorly as well.

Just means you gotta work a lot harder next semester..

[13Lack]

I am having the same difficulties in my college journey. I'm a sophomore and have lost my way for various reasons. But if you put your mind to it you can do it. I came from an extremely difficult high school and because of my intense hatred for school I just became burned out when I got to college attempting to earn my engineering degree. Doing things I don't want to do.

I think over winter break just take a step back, re-evaluate your life and see what went wrong and what you have to fix. Too much time partying? Stop going to so many of them. Difficult subjects? Get extra help at office hours. Fear that you won't succeed? Get rid of it. You are very capable of graduating and don't fret with only your first semester from a ill preparation from high school. Put your mind to it, discipline yourself and make your dreams come true.

Stay up. and here's to spring semester!! GLuck homey.

[Demeter]

You sound like some of my students this semester, poor dears. You may flunk your Psych course, but that just means you blew some time and money and will have to take it again. Hopefully that is unpleasant enough for you to really look at your habits to figure out the problem. All the advice given so far here is very good- I would also add that one good way to gain control next semester, if time management has been a problem, is to list on a calender all the due dates of papers and tests, etc. If you use your syllabi to create a road map of your semester in the very beginning, you will know what is coming up and can plan accordingly. Simple organization relieves stress.
Be honest with yourself, make needed changes, and you will see good results. In the meantime, remember that failing a course isn't so uncommon in the first semester, so don't get too freaked out.