Help Any advice for dealing with university and Maths

[Gaga786]

Ill be starting uni in August, and I have been told that ill be placed in beginner level courses for Maths and English: im very weak with those subjects(no surprise intended). Im extremely worried and have been getting intrusive thoughts as to how ill manage my life, especially since I deal with chronic depression, and coursework. Ill have to take 3 math courses alongside an economics course(introduction to Microeconomics)to fulfil my college requirement. I do regret choosing such a university, but nothing can be done now. Im leaning towards recovery as well since I might have a fresh start in life and get to work on building a base for me to depend on.
If there is anyone here who has experience with such a phase in their life, then please let me now.

 

[Cathy Ames]

As I recall it, there are usually multiple potential sources of help with math and English, and in your case, you have the advantage of knowing in advance that you'll need to find out what those are... It works much better to get help as you go along rather than waiting until you've really fallen behind. I'd guess that you can start investigating this type of thing on your future school's web site, but sometimes that type of information can be difficult to find. If you can't find it on the web site, you can ask during orientation (if there is one) or ask your advisor or even ask your professor(s) or teaching assistant(s).

Check this out (for examples).

Struggling in Your Undergraduate Math Course? There Are Ways to Get Help

Math is one of those classes you will have to take, it’s inevitable. No matter what you’re majoring in, you’ll have to take one or two math courses, for example, Algebra, Statistics, and life applicable math classes that teach you about mortgages, credit cards, and managing money. And whether...

www.petersons.com

Maybe this will help put your mind at ease. I think you're doing great to be recognizing this in advance rather than having that kind of "magical thinking" type thing where you just hope for the best.

 

[tardis]

Many years ago I used to help answer questions on reddit's r/askmath, and r/cheatatmathhomework. You might try that for some help if you get stuck on anything.

Also maybe look for tutors if you have trouble. I believe most schools offer free tutoring for math.

If you have the time, it won't hurt to prepare by learning what you need on your own now. There's a lot of youtube channels dedicated to teaching what you will learn in undergrad. (I assume mostly linear algebra and calculus?). One thing that may really help you is working through exercises as these can really cement your intuition.

 

[oneeyed]

Also look into summer courses. It sucks not having much of a summer break but those sections tend to have smaller classes and it would be less work load during the regular fall/winter terms.

 

[SarRy]

Alright, so, math wasn't much of a problem for me, but I still might have some useful advice. As much as it may be uncomfortable, always sit in the front of the class. Being close to the instructor makes it almost sure that you'll at least hear what they're saying and be able to remember something. Try to ask any question you have. The awkward feeling goes away after a while. Make a habit of going to the office hours of the instructor where you can get questions answered and go over material if nothing else. Find someone about your level or higher to study with. Two heads are better than one and by working things out with someone else, you might be able to understand more of what you're doing. One of the best pieces of advice is possibly the most vague. Study mathematics with a step by step understanding. Everything is "if, then". Mathematics has a logic to it. Write notes and study the material as a set of steps. Every problem fits into a type that has certain steps for solving it. If you can isolate the steps, then you can remember them and use them to find your answers.

Depression, lack of motivation, mental health problems? Again, sit in front of the class so you can't avoid at least hearing what is going on. It's difficult to be distracted when the information is literally right in front of you. As for motivation, do your work as soon as you get it so it doesn't lose its priority. Do what you can when you have the energy and hope it balances out with the times you don't. Intrusive thoughts? Often, intrusive thoughts come along with a tendency towards obsessing. This can work in your favour. If you start obsessing about your mathematics work, then you might find you remember more and you might become quite proficient. I know this from experience.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, I might have answers. As far as English, much of the same advice might apply. Learn the steps, force yourself to be surrounded by the information, etc.

I hope you find peace.

 

[looseye]

I used to be terrified of maths when starting uni because I sucked in school. Now I'm fine with it. Maths is a matter of practice and most students who fail their classes lack exactly that. Especially with beginner courses it's often enough to simply memorize whatever algorithm is needed for a certain type of task and do it over and over and over again, with no deeper understanding of the logic behind it needed. Though this understanding will eventually get to you when you get an answer wrong because some miniscule detail was different than last time and you ask yourself what happened. In summary, my advice would be to focus on practicing the implementation of what you've learned more than the theoretical structures.

Intro courses to microeconomics are essentially just about linear algebra and the relationship of supply and demand. You'll need some logical understanding for that and memorize a bunch of scenarios but it's really not that complicated. Knowing how to calculate interceptions, derivatives and integrals is pretty much all there is to it mathematically.

Don't worry too much about it. They'll teach everything to you from step one and if you get shit profs or tutors, there are plenty of YT videos covering the topics in an easily understandable way.

 

[Regen]

When I was a teen I was in psych-hospital a long time. I ended school because of my bad depressions. After a few years I wanted to have my higher grade. For this I have gone to school for one year.

I am really bad in math. And I know for getting my higher grade math will been the Problem. So I kept all my shame away and asked the teacher from the beginning all the stupid things I wanted to know and the often I wanted. And then I did much exercises at home. And I asked a schoolmate to help me. And the next day I asked the teacher again. And again :-)

Try it. Maybe you will win! Maybe you will lose - and then you will find another way!!! We always think the way must be straight but often the really interesting people had a curvy way in life and they are sometimes much more happy then the people with the straight way.

 

[Gaga786]

As I recall it, there are usually multiple potential sources of help with math and English, and in your case, you have the advantage of knowing in advance that you'll need to find out what those are... It works much better to get help as you go along rather than waiting until you've really fallen behind. I'd guess that you can start investigating this type of thing on your future school's web site, but sometimes that type of information can be difficult to find. If you can't find it on the web site, you can ask during orientation (if there is one) or ask your advisor or even ask your professor(s) or teaching assistant(s).

Check this out (for examples).

Struggling in Your Undergraduate Math Course? There Are Ways to Get Help

Math is one of those classes you will have to take, it’s inevitable. No matter what you’re majoring in, you’ll have to take one or two math courses, for example, Algebra, Statistics, and life applicable math classes that teach you about mortgages, credit cards, and managing money. And whether...

www.petersons.com

Maybe this will help put your mind at ease. I think you're doing great to be recognizing this in advance rather than having that kind of "magical thinking" type thing where you just hope for the best.

Thank you so much. It truly does mean a lot. Yes, I checked, there are many different sources for help at my school. Hopefully I can utilise those

Many years ago I used to help answer questions on reddit's r/askmath, and r/cheatatmathhomework. You might try that for some help if you get stuck on anything.

Also maybe look for tutors if you have trouble. I believe most schools offer free tutoring for math.

If you have the time, it won't hurt to prepare by learning what you need on your own now. There's a lot of youtube channels dedicated to teaching what you will learn in undergrad. (I assume mostly linear algebra and calculus?). One thing that may really help you is working through exercises as these can really cement your intuition.

Thank you. Yep, im trying to learn my basics from now on so I don't have issues later on

I used to be terrified of maths when starting uni because I sucked in school. Now I'm fine with it. Maths is a matter of practice and most students who fail their classes lack exactly that. Especially with beginner courses it's often enough to simply memorize whatever algorithm is needed for a certain type of task and do it over and over and over again, with no deeper understanding of the logic behind it needed. Though this understanding will eventually get to you when you get an answer wrong because some miniscule detail was different than last time and you ask yourself what happened. In summary, my advice would be to focus on practicing the implementation of what you've learned more than the theoretical structures.

Intro courses to microeconomics are essentially just about linear algebra and the relationship of supply and demand. You'll need some logical understanding for that and memorize a bunch of scenarios but it's really not that complicated. Knowing how to calculate interceptions, derivatives and integrals is pretty much all there is to it mathematically.

Don't worry too much about it. They'll teach everything to you from step one and if you get shit profs or tutors, there are plenty of YT videos covering the topics in an easily understandable way.

Thank you so much for your advice

Alright, so, math wasn't much of a problem for me, but I still might have some useful advice. As much as it may be uncomfortable, always sit in the front of the class. Being close to the instructor makes it almost sure that you'll at least hear what they're saying and be able to remember something. Try to ask any question you have. The awkward feeling goes away after a while. Make a habit of going to the office hours of the instructor where you can get questions answered and go over material if nothing else. Find someone about your level or higher to study with. Two heads are better than one and by working things out with someone else, you might be able to understand more of what you're doing. One of the best pieces of advice is possibly the most vague. Study mathematics with a step by step understanding. Everything is "if, then". Mathematics has a logic to it. Write notes and study the material as a set of steps. Every problem fits into a type that has certain steps for solving it. If you can isolate the steps, then you can remember them and use them to find your answers.

Depression, lack of motivation, mental health problems? Again, sit in front of the class so you can't avoid at least hearing what is going on. It's difficult to be distracted when the information is literally right in front of you. As for motivation, do your work as soon as you get it so it doesn't lose its priority. Do what you can when you have the energy and hope it balances out with the times you don't. Intrusive thoughts? Often, intrusive thoughts come along with a tendency towards obsessing. This can work in your favour. If you start obsessing about your mathematics work, then you might find you remember more and you might become quite proficient. I know this from experience.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, I might have answers. As far as English, much of the same advice might apply. Learn the steps, force yourself to be surrounded by the information, etc.

I hope you find peace.

Thank you. I really hope ill heal from my past through a fresh start

 

[Gaga786]

When I was a teen I was in psych-hospital a long time. I ended school because of my bad depressions. After a few years I wanted to have my higher grade. For this I have gone to school for one year.

I am really bad in math. And I know for getting my higher grade math will been the Problem. So I kept all my shame away and asked the teacher from the beginning all the stupid things I wanted to know and the often I wanted. And then I did much exercises at home. And I asked a schoolmate to help me. And the next day I asked the teacher again. And again :-)

Try it. Maybe you will win! Maybe you will lose - and then you will find another way!!! We always think the way must be straight but often the really interesting people had a curvy way in life and they are sometimes much more happy then the people with the straight way.

Thank you!

 

[MidnightDream]

I'm on my second round of uni, already have an arts degree and now doing a science one.
The course I'm doing now is known for being incredibly time and labour intensive, and has one of the highest drop out rates as a result.
For me, the first 2 months were incredibly difficult. I was really struggling to handle the stress and find the time to do my coursework, study for exams and keep my mental health in check. It's only in the last couple of weeks that I've felt more on top of things, so do prepare for an adjustment period and do remember that you'll settle and it'll get better!

My best advice -

1. Create a timetable. Look at your class timetable, and plan around it. When you'll eat, when you'll do coursework, when you'll study. Take each hurdle at a time, if you have 3 pieces of work in one semester? Don't panic. Just focus on one at a time, you'll find that by the time you're done with the second one you'll wonder what you worried about. Creating a timetable will allow you to use your time effectively, but be kind to yourself! Allow yourself breaks and deviations if you need them.

2. Study outside of your course. Uni is very much focused around self directed study. If you don't understand something, allocate some extra time to research/study it and your brain will thank you later.

3. Romanticise your study time. Make it cosy, comfy, and something you (at least somewhat) enjoy doing. Take yourself to a nice coffee shop, study with friends, or even just put a 'study with me' video on in the background and make yourself a nice drink. Set yourself up a desk space which looks nice and you enjoy sitting at, a mood lamp and a few plants can work wonders for the serotonin.

4. Remember the fact that you don't have to stay. If you hate it, if you're really struggling, there is absolutely no shame in dropping out and doing something else. If you feel trapped in something, it's going to be much harder to enjoy it and make it worthwhile.

 

[Gaga786]

T

I'm on my second round of uni, already have an arts degree and now doing a science one.
The course I'm doing now is known for being incredibly time and labour intensive, and has one of the highest drop out rates as a result.
For me, the first 2 months were incredibly difficult. I was really struggling to handle the stress and find the time to do my coursework, study for exams and keep my mental health in check. It's only in the last couple of weeks that I've felt more on top of things, so do prepare for an adjustment period and do remember that you'll settle and it'll get better!

My best advice -

1. Create a timetable. Look at your class timetable, and plan around it. When you'll eat, when you'll do coursework, when you'll study. Take each hurdle at a time, if you have 3 pieces of work in one semester? Don't panic. Just focus on one at a time, you'll find that by the time you're done with the second one you'll wonder what you worried about. Creating a timetable will allow you to use your time effectively, but be kind to yourself! Allow yourself breaks and deviations if you need them.

2. Study outside of your course. Uni is very much focused around self directed study. If you don't understand something, allocate some extra time to research/study it and your brain will thank you later.

3. Romanticise your study time. Make it cosy, comfy, and something you (at least somewhat) enjoy doing. Take yourself to a nice coffee shop, study with friends, or even just put a 'study with me' video on in the background and make yourself a nice drink. Set yourself up a desk space which looks nice and you enjoy sitting at, a mood lamp and a few plants can work wonders for the serotonin.

4. Remember the fact that you don't have to stay. If you hate it, if you're really struggling, there is absolutely no shame in dropping out and doing something else. If you feel trapped in something, it's going to be much harder to enjoy it and make it worthwhile.

Thank you so much!

 

[Celerity]

I have find outside sources to be king. Math and science classes are notorious for having terrible teachers, and they are difficult enough subject on their own. Don't be afraid to find other explanations if your textbook's or your professor's aren't working for you. A lot quality stuff is actually available on YouTube. I would not have just gotten an A in organic chemistry if I had only used the textbook and the lectures.

 

[Cathy Ames]

Wow, there is a ton of good advice here! I'm glad you asked.

 

[meetapple]

There is an app called Photomath that can scan any problem you give it with step by step instructions on how it was solved. This will be helpful if you want to know how to solve a problem.

 

[Gaga786]

Update
My mental health has been deteriorating, and I won't be attending university. Everything seems to be going downhill and im enervated with my life. Thank you everyone here who wished to help me and provided assistance.It does mean a lot. I just wanted to say this because most of you might be wondering what happened to me. I just can't do anything right, and university was one of them. airports, social anxiety, planes, car anxiety, it all added up.

 

[Celerity]

Update
My mental health has been deteriorating, and I won't be attending university. Everything seems to be going downhill and im enervated with my life. Thank you everyone here who wished to help me and provided assistance.It does mean a lot. I just wanted to say this because most of you might be wondering what happened to me. I just can't do anything right, and university was one of them. airports, social anxiety, planes, car anxiety, it all added up.

I'm sorry it didn't work out. I know from experience how painful failure can be. Mine was years in the making, and it took a while to return to baseline. i hope things get better for you going forward.

 

[Gaga786]

I'm sorry it didn't work out. I know from experience how painful failure can be. Mine was years in the making, and it took a while to return to baseline. i hope things get better for you going forward.

thank you. I was actually looking forward to it; we had even bought a plane ticket.I'm not sure what to do right now rather than taking another gap year. I do hope things ameliorate, but let's see what life has to offer next.