Failing 1st year uni

[17CherryTreeLane]

Ds has been home from Christmas and has had some results back graded as 'E'. The comments from his lecturer says it reads as a first draft, but DS says he spent weeks on it, and thought he'd do well.

I'm a bit lost as to what to do, but I've suggested he speak to his lecture and ask for more detailed feedback/help.

On top of this he's pretty much been partying all night and sleeping all day while he's been home. He's been incredibly challenging. I'm almost nostalgic for the toddler years... He turned 18 a few weeks ago.

Anyone had similar and their DC have turned things around? Is there any hope?

He's not failing yet. These early assignments are to highlight the difference required from 6th form. They are highly unlikely to go towards an actual degree grade but may contribute to first year result. He needs face to face feedback, to apply it going forward and to be honest with himself about hoe much effort he is putting in.

Study support will help too

Thank you for replying, honestly thank you! I did a degree later in life, so this is all new and I'm not sure how it works.

Does he not need to pass 1st year to continue?

I feel so sad for him, and he's lashing out and being miserable.

There is also a more general issue this year as summer 2022 A klevels were grade very leniently compared with 2019 and compared with how 2023 will be and that has apparently led to quite a lot of students getting quite a shock as to how much harder university work is.

Yes he needs to pass first year but it is through several assessments and exams, at the beginning they are getting a feel for how to present their work. He should have a personal tutor and also see if he can talk to any of his classmates who did well and ask to see their work. There is usually a group whatsapp or discord group.

What grades did he get at A level? What does he realistically think he is aiming for degree classification wise? It is a big leap from sixth form just like from GCSEs to A levels and a lot of it is self navigated.

Also there is a Higher Education Board under the Education main topic if you want to post there too in future as it is more specific than the teens topic.

There are two issues - the grades and the behaviour.

The grades are not your problem. You have to get him to take responsibility. He has everything he needs to deal with this - at University. Encourage him to take responsibility.

The bahviour is your problem because it is in your home. I think you need to tell him he needs to start being reasonable. It si understandable to be upset but not to behave like a twat.

We're in Scotland so no 6th form or A Levels.

I posted in teens because although at uni he's literally just turned 18, and it's been hard having him home over the holidays, with all the sleeping and partying. Looking for reassurance maybe, that it's somewhat normal. Maybe it isn't.

He got BBCC at higher, so lucky they took him at uni, and he knows he needs to work hard.

I've told him to speak to his tutor, and he seemed genuinely surprised that they would help him.

Agreed @watchfulwishes, think we cross posted.

The main fall out earlier was over us calling out twat behaviour.

There may be study skills support available via student services/ library/ student union etc.

Thank you @thesandwich, I'll get him to check into those options.

Come over to this thread and post again. All parents/carers of first year students or gap year DC. As you would expect a completely mixed bag of experiences. One or two posters also work in education.
www.mumsnet.com/talk/parents_of_adult_children/4698534-thread-44-gcse-covid-cohort-countdown-to-christmas-new-year?page=19&reply=122952334

Oh perfect @EwwSprouts , thanks for the link! Will post on there, good idea.

Not easy to deal with.

Remember even if he drops out, he can go back - think you get five years in Scotland? You can research all these general bits of info yourself to reassure yourself. He needs to sort out the specifics with uni.