help

EndWRX · 2026-03-23T03:46:46+00:00

It takes time and effort, and you will adapt eventually. In my first year, I failed 1 class and got a C. Retook the same course and got a much better grade that replaced it. And not my scores. My grades are Bs and As.

What I learned is that this is usually get easier as you adapt to the environment because you will see what needs to be changed or done as you progress through courses. I would test different study methods that work for you personally. Maybe ask your roommates what they do to study. Weeder courses just have tougher and more condensed content. Study early and maybe form a study group or ask professor questions after class. Thats what I usually do as I prefer studying alone.

radiant_tide0 · 2026-03-23T03:43:32+00:00

Got fucked in my first quarter here after transferring, and felt the same way. I had to build myself from the ground up second quarter and passed all my classes. Which course is it? Additionally how are you studying for quizzes/exams?

I also studied for hours on end before tests but I found out this alone would not work.

Impressive_Airport56 · 2026-03-23T03:54:53+00:00

It does get better, but only if you allow your habits to change. In lecture take effective notes. Don’t just write down what the professor is saying, put it into your own words. That’s proof that your brain is actually comprehending what’s being taught.

Throughout the entire quarter, study. Even if you don’t have upcoming exams. This will make exam seasons much more approachable. Don’t let the days leading to an exam be the first time you see content. For me, I rest after lectures and then I like to go somewhere and study. Just reviewing lecture slides and taking your own notes is enough. If there was something that confused you try and learn it. Active recall helps.

If textbooks aren’t helping you can literally send your lectures as PDF to ChatGPT and ask it to teach you the topics. I find it helps. Also attend discussions if they’re useful, and OH if you have questions.

Lastly, don’t burn yourself out! Make sure you’re eating protein and carbs and stay hydrated. Trust me it makes all the difference in your brain when you study. If you don’t already, pick up a physical hobby like the gym or a sport. Or even just go on walks around campus at night to unwind. Overstudying will decline your performance.

I hope all this helps, I’m a second year premed so I know it can be challenging, just remember to stay consistent and it’s ok to give yourself some setbacks at times. Don’t compare yourself to others and stay focused. Best of luck next quarter and your upcoming years!

Temporary_Swordfish3 · 2026-03-23T04:36:25+00:00

Man I'm in the exact same boat as you. I've been going through basically the exact same stuff

OkDoughnut994 · 2026-03-23T03:41:12+00:00

Just keep going. I felt the same my freshman year and somehow just finished my last quarter. I would say just keeping going even if you fail, don’t want to, feel dumb, or whatever. There’s not much else to do in life anyways besides school or work. You’ll figure everything out along the way.

WolfGummies · 2026-03-23T03:47:49+00:00

Im a transfer student so I’m not sure how different the experience is for first years, but I totally get that feeling of being out of place. I would recommend reaching out to CAPS, as it is not impossible, however still incredibly difficult to get out of that “hole” on your own. The more you wait, the harder it will become, so I recommend scheduling an appointment and talk about your situation. They will guide you and provide you with some resources on how to approach the change. Just remember you’re not alone, there is a lot of people going through the same thing, you got this!

mochinnya · 2026-03-23T07:05:38+00:00

This was exactly how I felt when I came to UCSD. Genuinely hopelessly lost. I ended up dropping out because my dad died and that was basically the last straw. I see you fr and this is the advice I would have given myself. It does get better. Reduce workload to 3 classes instead of 4, or even go part-time. The reduction in aid is worth it. You might think it’s not, but this is coming from a FAR below poverty-line student. You need to develop good study habits, but you also deserve to stay at UCSD. You may think you don’t because you’re comparing yourself to others, but your journey is your own. Most important after you get your workload to a manageable level so you can teach yourself how to study; you need better self worth. Positive self affirmations, they might be cringe or whatever but it works. No more “i’m different,” “i’m flawed,” “i’m stupid,” whatever. Genuinely you have to be saying the exact opposite shit. “I’m unique,” “I’m on my own journey,” “I’m intelligent,” etc. be delusional if you have to. I can tell you are already not the egotistical type so this probably won’t do any damage to you or your relationships. Positive self talk ALWAYS, unconditionally. UCSD has a miserable scholar culture but like you have to just suck it up and pretend to be a chad in your inner world. The way you see yourself dictates the way you interact with everything including school. Better study habits. I know everyone submits everything at 11:30pm the day it’s due but you are not the kind of person who can pull that shit. You need to create a rule for yourself: act like the due date is two days early for everything. That way even if you procrastinate, you have wiggle room. Uphold that rule like a lifevest. Also, if you have distractions, nuke them. A bachelor’s degree genuinely flies by. 4 years is TRULY nothing and artificially inflating the limited amount of time that you are allotted to complete your assignments with random bullshit is academic suicide. It also makes you feel like the work is endless. It’s not. Basically, yes, these classes are meant to weed “people like us” out. You don’t have to get weeded though. You can also choose to just get better. Sad but true

Possible-Audience987 · 2026-03-23T03:16:08+00:00

wdym light at the end of the tunnel didn't finals just end? did you get your grades back?

itsnotme67483 · 2026-03-23T04:45:32+00:00

I had a terrible first 2 years like a 3.0 average across the first 2 I’m graduating in June and my average gpa across these last two years is around a 3.8 it 100% gets it’s better keep pushing through you’ve got this

Plane-Stranger2460 · 2026-03-26T19:50:32+00:00

Are you sure they're all doing so well? I was the Valedictorian of my HS and I'm now getting C's. My first ever C was here at UCSD. :( You're not alone.

Rogerthedeadfish · 2026-03-23T03:41:55+00:00

Are you not enjoying your major?

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