Getting back on top of study
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Treat your college schedule like a 9-to-5 job; spend the hours studying and getting ahead even if you have no assigned work.
This helps you do well in class and allows you to decompress at night without guilt.
one person who lived it
Search for subjects or activities you genuinely liked as a child or enjoy now, rather than forcing degrees based on external factors like money or ease.
One person realized the stress of pursuing high-earning subjects wasn't worth any amount of money.
- Based on one person's realization
2 people, independently
Randomly help someone else to improve your own mood.
It makes you feel better.
one person who lived it
Focus on learning what you like rather than just passing exams.
One person found that letting go of the need to pass reduced pressure and kept marks fine.
one person who lived it
Write down specific reasons why you need or want to improve in certain areas and the benefits it will have on your life, then keep this list visible (e.g., on your mirror).
to maintain motivation
one person who lived it
Read 'Your Own Worst Enemy' by Ken Christian if you feel pressure from expectations leading to a crash.
One person reported that built-up pressure from expectations caused them to crash.
one person who lived it
Try transferring to an easier school to finish a degree and get employment, since most learning happens on the job.
Most learning occurs during employment anyway.
one person who lived it
Be punctual and finish assignments and projects as soon as possible.
One person reported this helped them improve from being a below-average student.
one person who lived it
Accept that you cannot erase the past and use it as experience instead.
one person who lived it
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View yourself as starting from experience rather than from scratch.
one person who lived it
Customize your notes to match your learning style by adding drawings or small jokes.
It makes reviewing notes feel positive rather than distressing.
one person who lived it
Maintain good personal hygiene to improve how you feel about yourself by avoiding looking greasy, smelling bad, or having dull teeth.
Good hygiene made one person feel better because they didn't look greasy, smell, or have non-white teeth.
one person who lived it
Pursue college only if you want it for yourself, not to please others or chase money, given the debt involved.
one person who lived it
- Determine if you are attending college for yourself or your parents, and push through only if it is for your future.1
Return to college only after figuring out what you truly want to do, ensuring passion drives your studies.
One person with MDD and ADHD reported that studying for passion, rather than just interest, made a huge difference in completing degrees.
one person who lived it
When you identify a weakness, jump right in and engage in activities that force you to confront and fix it.
One person overcame a fear of public speaking by performing a comedy skit.
one person who lived it
Discuss options for getting back on track with a professor who cares, rather than facing everything alone.
One person found that figuring things out with a supportive professor helped them finish their degree with good grades despite losing momentum.
one person who lived it
Talk to parents, professors, advisors, or counselors about your struggles, as they want to help.
Professors, advisors, and counselors generally want to help rather than dislike these situations.
one person who lived it
Recognize that higher education is not a race and there is no fixed timeline.
one person who lived it
Contact your school administration immediately to discuss academic standing and potential restoration programs.
They can help you fix your grades for a semester before the situation worsens.
one person who lived it
Occasionally solve problems on platforms like LeetCode to prevent forgetting your coding skills.
It helps maintain technical abilities.
one person who lived it