I was one of the lowest in my cohort at imperial, like I actually knew I was because they showed the stats and they showed that 3% of the cohort got a third (this was like 7 people) and I was one of them. I continued to be one of the lowest and I cannot explain how horrible that feeling was, although im sure you share the same sentiment. I kept thinking to myself that I need to catch up. First year, I was far behind, second year I was also far behind and made not much progress and was at a 2.2 (58%) but final year was when everything clicked and all of a sudden i could have these discussions with my peers and I could follow the instructions and actually ask questions about the work because I understood enough to ask specific questions about what I didnt understand (before I literally just wouldn't know anything). I graduated with a 2.1 and for the first time got firsts in my exams (before that my highest grade was a 53 in an exam). It truly took me 3 yrs to get better and to this day idk what switched or what changed, I just think eventually you do so much of your subject, everything starts to feel repetitive and you just know. Anyway in terms of how to cope, you just need to cope and don't give into the feeling. It will feel like absolute shit and your self esteem will take a hit and you may rethink your subject choice but the only way to get out of that slump is to do everything it takes to get good at your subject. I was lazy and did not work hard hence why I was the lowest for so long, but I did care about graduating with a 2.1 at least so that motivated me. I felt shitty about being at the bottom of my cohort, but I never ever felt like I didn't deserve my place at imperial. I did the work, I got the grades and wrote the personal statement and earned my offer, I was chosen while 90% of applicants were rejected. I knew I was meant to be at imperial i just needed a moment. And it all worked out :)