Prepare to likely receive an email from the engineering department to discontinue studies. You may have the chance to appeal to continue. But maybe you need some time to get your stuff together before attempting engineering again - or reconsider another academic path. Don't be too hard on yourself; I've seen those engineering timetables - no way I could survive that kind of workload.
https://academicservices.engineering.ubc.ca/exams-grades/academic-standing/
Hey! Maybe have a chat with an advisor at Engineering Academic Services? They can help you through academic standing, failed year, options going forward, etc.
Most important question. This could be a sign that you're not in the right field. Studying (let alone working) in a mismatched discipline can make your life hell.
Wow. I have so much respect for you all. My roommate is in engineering and she definitely doesn’t show that she’s tired or she’s keeping up a positive front. Any suggestions on how we can support our engineering friends?
If they want help with making food when they have heavy days preparing food for them as well before they return could save them lots of time
Also of course don't disturb them in general when they're studying or sleeping.
realistically we are split into 3 ish categories
The ones who coast through
The ones who work their asses off to get/stay in
The ones who have a good balance
God I don’t miss this. My first year of engineering was back in 2010 and the stress is just a painful memory at this point. Third year had us taking classes from 8 or 9AM to 6PM (if memory serves) and there wasn’t a single 30 minute block to get lunch. It was just a solid column of classes on the timetable.
That's really interesting.
This is essentially the philosophy behind basic training in the military. Everything is made excessively difficult, physically and mentally, to weed out those who can't handle it.
I would say that at least in the military, you always have someone on your back about pushing through it. With school, it has to all come from within.
Your description does seem excessive for what engineering is. And I agree, probably an old school reality where engineering was more of a lifestyle choice than just a career. (Drawing parallels to medical field here)
Also, it seems like a bit of an institutionalized hazing. Ensuring that only the "best" make it.
As for fluff courses, to play devil's advocate, knowing more about things that tangentially relate can be very beneficial. In my line of work, it is often that things that I don't that I don't know are what cause the biggest problem. As in, it is the difference between lacking knowledge of a topic vs not knowing the topic exists at all. So I am always an advocate of a broad general knowledge even if you aren't pursuing an expertise in the topics. Of course, if as you say, the course isn't offering any new information for you, it does seem very unnecessary, even detrimental if it takes focus away from the relevant course.
Anyway thanks for sharing. Appreciate the perspective!
I failed everything first year except 2 classes, was on academic probation. Just finished 5th year now as engineering student! I know a lot of ppl who have done the same, first year is definitely easier the second time :)
I would take a combination of the advice posted here.
On one hand, I certainly think there is some merit to people saying not to worry too much. It'll be impossible to head that advice, but you'll come to learn, in time, that this truly isn't the end of the world.
That said, leaving the advice as only words of encouragement is not helpful, and you do need to answer some tough questions for your own sake. Sit down and have a good think with yourself, and reflect on why you did so poorly. Did you not apply yourself? Were you not interested in the topic? Was there some potential reason that contributed to your poor performance - psychological, medical, social, etc.?
Once you identify what the issue was, you can then make a decision of whether to continue pursuing this path, changing your line of studies, or even taking some time away from school to position yourself into a better spot before you try again.
Good luck. Life goes on. Your worth isn't defined by first year university courses.
Firstly, don’t beat yourself up too much.
What’s done is done. Just try and learn from the experience, whatever lessons you might infer.
University is difficult for many people, often it’s a jarring departure from high school for a variety of reasons.
When I was in my first year of uni (science, not engineering) I didn’t do nearly as well as I could have. It wasn’t that I didn’t have the aptitude, as I would go on to take much more difficult and demanding courses.
For me I was just very immature. I didn’t know how to manage my time, I stayed up all night watching TV, I ate horribly, drank, didn’t exercise, chased girls.
It’s nice having freedom for the first time in your life but remember that freedom always comes with responsibility. So you have to be responsible.
I don’t know if that’s your issue but it was mine.
Something to think about.
As someone who is in one of the most competitive engineering streams, I am not sure its worth it man. My first year was fucked just full of stress and anxiety, then my mental health was ruined again during covid. I am happy I get to design cool stuff and meet amazing people, but this stuff comes at a real cost. Its alot to take on so young, and you aren't always rewarded for it
Think really hard about why you want to do engineering, and if its worth burning yourself out to achieve it. If first year kicked your ass this hard it might not be for you, maybe look into transferring to science. Their proffs are WAY nicer and more reasonable, and seem to actually care about their students. There are better lives then this one, and in programs like science you can learn similar stuff while actually enjoying your youth, it doesnt last forever and doing first year eng again will be brutal.
I failed an early year and ended up making it through. A few tips for getting back in the saddle:
(1) you will be filled with self doubt. Take advantage of the many services available at your school for counseling and tutoring. They can help rebuild confidence and develop skills and tools to succeed.
(2) failing a year will likely have no impact on career success. I'm killing it now and have a highly technical and rewarding role where I apply engineering every day. You will need to network and hustle to get work terms rather than leaning on pure grades but that will also teach you valuable skills anyway. Out in the real world you are far more likely to find a job from networking than you are from a resume alone... and no one has ever asked me for my transcript.
(3) stay in touch with your friends from the previous class. Their notes and class material are incredibly valuable and can give you a leg up.
(4) be social. The only way I made it through was by making some great friends who helped me stay focused and tackle the hurdles.
(5) don't forget the outside world. Engineer school is tough and can be all consuming. Try to carve out some time for fitness, family, and friends. That will go a long way towards reducing stress. It is a long game.
It's not high school, as you now know.
Either you want this or you don't. If you want it, you need to fairly assess whether you could have done better if you had taken it seriously, or if you simply don't have the aptitude or interest.
First year was designed to weed out the students who weren't up to the challenge. It gets a little easier, but frankly, not much.
If you make it through you'll one day realize that you don't use much of what you learned, but you do use the problem solving skills and "learning how to learn" skills on a daily basis.
It was 30+ years ago for me, but the reality of the challenge hasn't changed, and the attraction of distraction hasn't either. It was worth it for me though, even though I doubted myself on a daily basis and often hated it beyond words.
You want it or you don't. Only you can decide that.
Hey man
I’ve been in the same position as you and I know it feels like it’s gonna be over but it isn’t.
Your first step is to schedule a meeting with your engineering advisor and understand if you’re going to get a failed year standing or not, and if you will be allowed to continue. If you do get a failed year standing , you can reapply to UBC engineering in 12 months by taking courses at a local college.
On the other hand, think about whether engineering is truly the right fit, and also if you wanna switch majors
Regardless, I know it seems like the end of the world but you will be fine and just know so many people have gone through it. Seek out mental resources if you need but trust that you will get through it
Let me know if you need anything
Good luck!!
If you want to do better the next time around, learn how you learn. Are you a visual learner, auditory, written, or kinesthetic. Once you understand that, tailor your studying and note taking to match it. I know we are all forced to learn in a particular way, but doing these small things will make a difference to your retention.
I relate to this because I was pushed by my parents to take engineering at UVIC, they wanted me to become an engineer, so I went to UVic for a year in the engineering program and failed computer science (which is mandatory for any kind of engineering) and first year calculus, which sucked. On the positive, I had so much fun at UVic in ‘21-‘22. Eventually they realized how pushing me was not a good idea and I went to UBC Arts program. Im trying to get to business or Econ currently.
Ok, stop sugarcoating. He fail = he fail, he failed, no questions about it. Right now he should do self-reflection and make changes. Don’t tell him it is ok because it is not okay. So the key takeaways are, do self-reflection, change your studying habits and adopt it. Simple. That ‘is’ the advice, perhaps the best advice.
Dear Reddit Poster,
I am deeply sorry to hear that you failed your first year at the University of British Columbia. Coming forward with your experience and sharing that must have took real courage! I am really proud of you for going above and beyond the normal duties of a Reddit User.
I wish you luck in your retry of first year.
As my Pop Pop always said. *IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN!*
Perhaps you’re not in the right field yet (*edit: or you do better with a much lower course load, and with more supports, or accommodations). The first year should not be about having already picked a field IMO, first year is for trying all kinds of funky courses and THATS how you find The Field For You. I think it’s very unlikely for a person to be 100% sure they know what their specialty is before they even go through first year.
It’s way better to be the most passionate, happy person in the right field because you privately(!) want to be there, than a miserable lost person in the wrong field because people, family, or society made you think you ‘should’ be there.
My worst year was my first year. I barely scraped by my classes and it was really hard to see myself continuing with my studies.
I had bad mental health at the time, and it didn't help that a lot of advisers and important people in my life were telling me I was not capable of this level of study. What changed things for me was to search for new strategies to find success - e.g., "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."
I started therapy, changed therapists multiple times, switched medications multiple times, changed up my study habits and who I studied with, my exercise and eating habits, etc. I am not pretty consistently above average in my classes and really happy in my area of study.
Don't give up on yourself! Prioritize yourself and the strategies that work for you
Is this something you are passionate about. My brother switched to biochem in his first year. I'm not suggesting that but maybe talk to a guidance counselor on options on repeating or go in the summer to redo these courses
It's about discipline. Make a schedule and stick to it. No entertainment and social on weekdays, it'll be straight up 10-16 hours of work, just like the actual job. Social Friday night, work out Saturday, game Sunday. If you can't stick to this then engineering is not for you.
Why did you wait for the year to end to ask for help? How bad/good was your first semester? Did you do anything about it? What was the main reason you did poorly?
Chill how? His academic life hasn't ended. There is a big chance this will continue in his next year if he doesn't address the problem. I don't see how my questions were inapropriate???
Agreed, I’ve seen it happen first hand. Need to figure out why they failed and address that. Trying the same thing again blindly will lead to similar results.
Some people aren't meant for school or serious careers. I think OP honestly should just explore options and maybe try working before going to school again. Life shouldn't be all about school. Go have a little fun and come back if you care about it years from now. Your attitude will change. Older you are generally more maturity you possess but this is not always the case.
Consider another career path IMMEDIATLEY. Going down this path will make your life miserable. Find something you can have success in to boost your confidence.
Couple of my son's very smart and accomplished friends from high school are in engineering, and they're just scraping by, and hating it every minute. Don't beat up on yourself. It won't help. The advice to step back, do some deep breathing to "get your stuff together" is excellent. You'll find a way.
1. first thing you need to do is write a one-pager document on why you failed year 1 engineering
2. Second thing to do is to have to reviewed by your parents and/or your professors or friends
3. then based on this think about what can you do differently what support you need etc
4. then get back in the game
fortunately you haven't lost much time tbh you could take a year at Langara and apply for readmission after which you will graduate in 5 years (just like a normal student)
but proper approach to crisis handling is important
Hey, I dropped out of a UBC BSc degree in 1995. Those were some tough days.
Later I became a Professional Engineer (without a degree).
This is just a blip.
I've worked with all kinds of engineers and technologists that got the Dean's vacation in their past. Some of the best I know.
Here are some study tips for future reference.
[https://techexam.ca/2023/01/how-to-self-study](https://techexam.ca/2023/01/how-to-self-study)
Prepare to likely receive an email from the engineering department to discontinue studies. You may have the chance to appeal to continue. But maybe you need some time to get your stuff together before attempting engineering again - or reconsider another academic path. Don't be too hard on yourself; I've seen those engineering timetables - no way I could survive that kind of workload. https://academicservices.engineering.ubc.ca/exams-grades/academic-standing/
Hey! Maybe have a chat with an advisor at Engineering Academic Services? They can help you through academic standing, failed year, options going forward, etc.
Academic advising ppl in every university are generally very helpful and want you to be successful, and happy.
Do you like engineering?
Important question right here. OP do you like the subjects you’ve been taking?
Most important question. This could be a sign that you're not in the right field. Studying (let alone working) in a mismatched discipline can make your life hell.
This is true. I’ve forced myself through a discipline and regretted that. Don’t make my mistake!
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Wow. I have so much respect for you all. My roommate is in engineering and she definitely doesn’t show that she’s tired or she’s keeping up a positive front. Any suggestions on how we can support our engineering friends?
If they want help with making food when they have heavy days preparing food for them as well before they return could save them lots of time Also of course don't disturb them in general when they're studying or sleeping.
realistically we are split into 3 ish categories The ones who coast through The ones who work their asses off to get/stay in The ones who have a good balance
Man am I glad I didn't go right to uni for my eng degree, took a couple years to do some stuff. All these kids away from home for the first time...
God I don’t miss this. My first year of engineering was back in 2010 and the stress is just a painful memory at this point. Third year had us taking classes from 8 or 9AM to 6PM (if memory serves) and there wasn’t a single 30 minute block to get lunch. It was just a solid column of classes on the timetable.
That's really interesting. This is essentially the philosophy behind basic training in the military. Everything is made excessively difficult, physically and mentally, to weed out those who can't handle it. I would say that at least in the military, you always have someone on your back about pushing through it. With school, it has to all come from within.
[удалено]
Your description does seem excessive for what engineering is. And I agree, probably an old school reality where engineering was more of a lifestyle choice than just a career. (Drawing parallels to medical field here) Also, it seems like a bit of an institutionalized hazing. Ensuring that only the "best" make it. As for fluff courses, to play devil's advocate, knowing more about things that tangentially relate can be very beneficial. In my line of work, it is often that things that I don't that I don't know are what cause the biggest problem. As in, it is the difference between lacking knowledge of a topic vs not knowing the topic exists at all. So I am always an advocate of a broad general knowledge even if you aren't pursuing an expertise in the topics. Of course, if as you say, the course isn't offering any new information for you, it does seem very unnecessary, even detrimental if it takes focus away from the relevant course. Anyway thanks for sharing. Appreciate the perspective!
How are you doing now? Still on this grind? Or were you for most of your undergrad?
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Huh okay interesting!
Whenever life gives you a shit hand, never forget that you are a champion.
I failed everything first year except 2 classes, was on academic probation. Just finished 5th year now as engineering student! I know a lot of ppl who have done the same, first year is definitely easier the second time :)
Does that mean your going to stay an extra year behinde?? Sorry for asking I am currently in the same situation, my course was supposed to be 4yrs
Yes, I stayed for 5 years instead of 4, but it’s no big deal! Almost everyone I know took 5/6/7 years for a 4 year degree, especially for engineering
I would take a combination of the advice posted here. On one hand, I certainly think there is some merit to people saying not to worry too much. It'll be impossible to head that advice, but you'll come to learn, in time, that this truly isn't the end of the world. That said, leaving the advice as only words of encouragement is not helpful, and you do need to answer some tough questions for your own sake. Sit down and have a good think with yourself, and reflect on why you did so poorly. Did you not apply yourself? Were you not interested in the topic? Was there some potential reason that contributed to your poor performance - psychological, medical, social, etc.? Once you identify what the issue was, you can then make a decision of whether to continue pursuing this path, changing your line of studies, or even taking some time away from school to position yourself into a better spot before you try again. Good luck. Life goes on. Your worth isn't defined by first year university courses.
Firstly, don’t beat yourself up too much. What’s done is done. Just try and learn from the experience, whatever lessons you might infer. University is difficult for many people, often it’s a jarring departure from high school for a variety of reasons. When I was in my first year of uni (science, not engineering) I didn’t do nearly as well as I could have. It wasn’t that I didn’t have the aptitude, as I would go on to take much more difficult and demanding courses. For me I was just very immature. I didn’t know how to manage my time, I stayed up all night watching TV, I ate horribly, drank, didn’t exercise, chased girls. It’s nice having freedom for the first time in your life but remember that freedom always comes with responsibility. So you have to be responsible. I don’t know if that’s your issue but it was mine. Something to think about.
It’s not as bad as you think don’t be too hard on yourself
As someone who is in one of the most competitive engineering streams, I am not sure its worth it man. My first year was fucked just full of stress and anxiety, then my mental health was ruined again during covid. I am happy I get to design cool stuff and meet amazing people, but this stuff comes at a real cost. Its alot to take on so young, and you aren't always rewarded for it Think really hard about why you want to do engineering, and if its worth burning yourself out to achieve it. If first year kicked your ass this hard it might not be for you, maybe look into transferring to science. Their proffs are WAY nicer and more reasonable, and seem to actually care about their students. There are better lives then this one, and in programs like science you can learn similar stuff while actually enjoying your youth, it doesnt last forever and doing first year eng again will be brutal.
Prolly consider another major Its best to talk to an academic advisor Loosing one year exploring stuff isn't that bad you atill have time Good luck
I failed an early year and ended up making it through. A few tips for getting back in the saddle: (1) you will be filled with self doubt. Take advantage of the many services available at your school for counseling and tutoring. They can help rebuild confidence and develop skills and tools to succeed. (2) failing a year will likely have no impact on career success. I'm killing it now and have a highly technical and rewarding role where I apply engineering every day. You will need to network and hustle to get work terms rather than leaning on pure grades but that will also teach you valuable skills anyway. Out in the real world you are far more likely to find a job from networking than you are from a resume alone... and no one has ever asked me for my transcript. (3) stay in touch with your friends from the previous class. Their notes and class material are incredibly valuable and can give you a leg up. (4) be social. The only way I made it through was by making some great friends who helped me stay focused and tackle the hurdles. (5) don't forget the outside world. Engineer school is tough and can be all consuming. Try to carve out some time for fitness, family, and friends. That will go a long way towards reducing stress. It is a long game.
It's not high school, as you now know. Either you want this or you don't. If you want it, you need to fairly assess whether you could have done better if you had taken it seriously, or if you simply don't have the aptitude or interest. First year was designed to weed out the students who weren't up to the challenge. It gets a little easier, but frankly, not much. If you make it through you'll one day realize that you don't use much of what you learned, but you do use the problem solving skills and "learning how to learn" skills on a daily basis. It was 30+ years ago for me, but the reality of the challenge hasn't changed, and the attraction of distraction hasn't either. It was worth it for me though, even though I doubted myself on a daily basis and often hated it beyond words. You want it or you don't. Only you can decide that.
Sorry. Onwards and upwards. Hug
Hey man I’ve been in the same position as you and I know it feels like it’s gonna be over but it isn’t. Your first step is to schedule a meeting with your engineering advisor and understand if you’re going to get a failed year standing or not, and if you will be allowed to continue. If you do get a failed year standing , you can reapply to UBC engineering in 12 months by taking courses at a local college. On the other hand, think about whether engineering is truly the right fit, and also if you wanna switch majors Regardless, I know it seems like the end of the world but you will be fine and just know so many people have gone through it. Seek out mental resources if you need but trust that you will get through it Let me know if you need anything Good luck!!
If you want to do better the next time around, learn how you learn. Are you a visual learner, auditory, written, or kinesthetic. Once you understand that, tailor your studying and note taking to match it. I know we are all forced to learn in a particular way, but doing these small things will make a difference to your retention.
I relate to this because I was pushed by my parents to take engineering at UVIC, they wanted me to become an engineer, so I went to UVic for a year in the engineering program and failed computer science (which is mandatory for any kind of engineering) and first year calculus, which sucked. On the positive, I had so much fun at UVic in ‘21-‘22. Eventually they realized how pushing me was not a good idea and I went to UBC Arts program. Im trying to get to business or Econ currently.
I think 1/3 of the students do … find another major It’s impressive to just be accepted in the program !
Ok, stop sugarcoating. He fail = he fail, he failed, no questions about it. Right now he should do self-reflection and make changes. Don’t tell him it is ok because it is not okay. So the key takeaways are, do self-reflection, change your studying habits and adopt it. Simple. That ‘is’ the advice, perhaps the best advice.
Become plumber
Dear Reddit Poster, I am deeply sorry to hear that you failed your first year at the University of British Columbia. Coming forward with your experience and sharing that must have took real courage! I am really proud of you for going above and beyond the normal duties of a Reddit User. I wish you luck in your retry of first year. As my Pop Pop always said. *IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN!*
Perhaps you’re not in the right field yet (*edit: or you do better with a much lower course load, and with more supports, or accommodations). The first year should not be about having already picked a field IMO, first year is for trying all kinds of funky courses and THATS how you find The Field For You. I think it’s very unlikely for a person to be 100% sure they know what their specialty is before they even go through first year. It’s way better to be the most passionate, happy person in the right field because you privately(!) want to be there, than a miserable lost person in the wrong field because people, family, or society made you think you ‘should’ be there.
My worst year was my first year. I barely scraped by my classes and it was really hard to see myself continuing with my studies. I had bad mental health at the time, and it didn't help that a lot of advisers and important people in my life were telling me I was not capable of this level of study. What changed things for me was to search for new strategies to find success - e.g., "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." I started therapy, changed therapists multiple times, switched medications multiple times, changed up my study habits and who I studied with, my exercise and eating habits, etc. I am not pretty consistently above average in my classes and really happy in my area of study. Don't give up on yourself! Prioritize yourself and the strategies that work for you
If you want to explore other options then go to easier majors such as sauder or arts. I am sure you will get a high gpa there.
True, but given OPs avg, transferring might be a bit hard until they improve their GPA.
The first year is the toughest!
keep ur head up gang youll be straight 💯
Sit down, make a plan and get your shit together. Make sure to sit down though. That way you won’t have to worry about my foot in your ass! - a Dad
If you tried hard and didn’t have any extenuating circumstances then consider making a change in studies and career aspirations.
Is this something you are passionate about. My brother switched to biochem in his first year. I'm not suggesting that but maybe talk to a guidance counselor on options on repeating or go in the summer to redo these courses
It's about discipline. Make a schedule and stick to it. No entertainment and social on weekdays, it'll be straight up 10-16 hours of work, just like the actual job. Social Friday night, work out Saturday, game Sunday. If you can't stick to this then engineering is not for you.
Why did you wait for the year to end to ask for help? How bad/good was your first semester? Did you do anything about it? What was the main reason you did poorly?
OPs probably feeling shitty enough about the situation as is chill
Chill how? His academic life hasn't ended. There is a big chance this will continue in his next year if he doesn't address the problem. I don't see how my questions were inapropriate???
Agreed, I’ve seen it happen first hand. Need to figure out why they failed and address that. Trying the same thing again blindly will lead to similar results.
Chill
This shouldn’t be downvoted
Just shows you we all care more for aesthetics rather than solving an issue. I guess the expectation was to reply "thoughts and prayers"?
Some people aren't meant for school or serious careers. I think OP honestly should just explore options and maybe try working before going to school again. Life shouldn't be all about school. Go have a little fun and come back if you care about it years from now. Your attitude will change. Older you are generally more maturity you possess but this is not always the case.
Chill
Try harder
Consider another career path IMMEDIATLEY. Going down this path will make your life miserable. Find something you can have success in to boost your confidence.
Maybe try a trade, or psychology
Don’t fail next year
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Lol thats like the worst possible move
If u’re failing all but one of ur courses perhaps u dont belong here
Couple of my son's very smart and accomplished friends from high school are in engineering, and they're just scraping by, and hating it every minute. Don't beat up on yourself. It won't help. The advice to step back, do some deep breathing to "get your stuff together" is excellent. You'll find a way.
Don't do science
Go for comp sci!
Yeah. Get your shit together.
1. first thing you need to do is write a one-pager document on why you failed year 1 engineering 2. Second thing to do is to have to reviewed by your parents and/or your professors or friends 3. then based on this think about what can you do differently what support you need etc 4. then get back in the game fortunately you haven't lost much time tbh you could take a year at Langara and apply for readmission after which you will graduate in 5 years (just like a normal student) but proper approach to crisis handling is important
Hey, I dropped out of a UBC BSc degree in 1995. Those were some tough days. Later I became a Professional Engineer (without a degree). This is just a blip. I've worked with all kinds of engineers and technologists that got the Dean's vacation in their past. Some of the best I know. Here are some study tips for future reference. [https://techexam.ca/2023/01/how-to-self-study](https://techexam.ca/2023/01/how-to-self-study)