Are you starting university this year after finishing high school, or returning to campus for your second year?
Perhaps you're dreading the thought of failing your first few exams, getting poor grades and throwing away a whole year's effort.
Or maybe you already failed some classes during your first year.
But what happens if you fail your first year of university? Do you have to start again or is there something else you can do?
Together we can explore what options are available when things don't go according to plan!
This post is all about what happens if you fail your first year of university.
Photo by Antor Paul on Unsplash
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU FAIL YOUR FIRST YEAR OF UNI?
First, let’s get a mini takeaway and then we can look into more detail as to what happens if you fail your first year of Uni.
Failing your first year of university doesn't mean that all is lost - there are still options available, such as retaking exams, transferring to another university, taking time off from studies or exploring different alternatives. With careful consideration and planning there are a variety of options available that can help you get back on track and reach your goals!
Ok, so now we can understand there are some options open to you if the worst happens! Let’s explore them in a little detail.
What happens if you fail your first year of university?
Your first year at university is an important milestone in your academic career, and it can be disappointing if you don’t do as well as expected.
Failing your first year of university can have a number of consequences, including:
- Not being able to move on to your second year of studies
- Needing to retake courses or even the entire year
- Losing eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid
- Feeling embarrassed, disappointed, and frustrated
- Feeling isolated or disconnected from your peers who have successfully completed their first year.
But failing your first year doesn’t mean that all is lost! There are still some options available.
Failing your first year doesn’t define you!
It’s also important to remember that getting a failing grade or failing your first year doesn’t define who you are or what you can achieve.
It’s NOT the end of the world!
There are plenty of successful people who have taken a less direct route when starting out in their higher education or general education career, so don't let one setback hold you back from achieving your goals!
If you want to work towards having good standing, the best way to do that is to continue making satisfactory academic progress and make sure you are at least meeting the minimum requirements for the academic year.
There are also extra help you can get to improve your studies to get at the very least a passing grade in your module by the end of the semester.
Some universities may allow you to retake the year, however, this isn't always an option depending on the course and its regulations.
If retaking is not possible there are other options such as applying for special permission or transferring to another university.
Most universities would let you retake your exams if you failed class due or your uni/ college course to exceptional circumstances. For example, you had a death in the family and couldn’t focus.
Please bear in mind, they will ask for specific information and they are most likely going to want to see evidence of your claims, in the above example, they may want to see a death certificate for the relative that you claim just died.
“Although in many cases you can retake your first year it isn’t isn't always possible depending on the university and course you're studying.”
Alternatively, if you feel that university isn't right for you, then taking a gap year or pursuing alternative qualifications could be an option.
Support will be available!
No matter which option you choose there will be support available - whether it be financial guidance, academic advice or emotional support.
Your university should have dedicated teams ready to help and advise undergraduate students through this challenging time
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, speak to a member of staff or take some time out for yourself and think about what it is you actually want from your studies.
Taking a step back can give you the clarity and motivation needed to make the best decision that works for you.
“Your university should have dedicated teams ready to help and advise students through this challenging time”
Re-take your exams
Retaking exams that you failed in your first year of college can be quite a positive experience, even though the idea of starting all over again may be daunting at first!
Retaking gives you the opportunity to approach the material from a fresh perspective, often with more information and more study resources than you had before.
Not only will this help you understand the material better, but it might also give you a boost in grades that could benefit your overall academic record!
It’s also crucial to understand that although in many cases you can retake your first year it isn’t always possible depending on the university and course you're studying as I mentioned previously.
Retaking the same failed course is an option if you feel comfortable doing so and think that repeating it will help improve your chances of success.
Switching courses is also worth considering if you're not as passionate about the one you initially chose; this could be beneficial in terms of achieving better grades or finding something more suited to your interests.
My personal experience:
I was in a similar situation myself. First I chose to study Law with criminology as a combined course degree but I wasn’t enjoying the course content for the criminology side of my undergraduate degree.
Due to this it lead to poor academic performance on that side of my course which was bringing down the good grades I was getting from the Law side of my degree and my confidence.
I wanted to switch in the first few days of starting, I even went to talk to a few of my academic professors to discuss me dropping the criminnology part of my course and switching to study straight Law.
They advised a good option would be to stick with it, that I obviously ‘chose it for a reason’. So I decided against my gutt instinct that the best option would be to give it more time. I then had to wait a whole year to be able to switch my course, it was a wake-up call.
Thank god it was first year so it didn’t count towards my cumulative gpa but it did cost me the choice of x2 modules when I got to third year as I had to make up for missing x2 core modules I didn’t take in first year due to the criminology part of my course at the time.
Transfer to another Uni
If retaking the year isn't a viable option for you, then you could consider transferring to another course/ degree program or university.
This could allow you to start fresh with new subjects, modules and teachers - and maybe you’ll even be able to take your transfer credit with you, depending on the number of credits.
I completely understand that it can feel incredibly overwhelming to decide to transfer to another university after failing your first year!
On top of all the normal reasons for feeling anxious about a new school and fresh start, you might be carrying a little extra baggage after failing your first year.
But don't worry – this doesn't mean you won't succeed at the next university!
It is possible to learn from mistakes and experience successes after moving universities, with the right guidance and resources at hand.
If you take steps to do better by seeking out mentors or studying more effectively, it will ensure that your second time around is different and rewarding in its own way.
Circumstances outside of your control
When making decisions about accepting applicants with failed first years, universities will also usually take into account factors such as potential or extenuating circumstances which are outside of your control.
These can include things like mental health issues, a disability, bereavement or family problems.
It's important to remain honest and open when discussing these things with university staff - they understand that sometimes things don't go to plan, and they may be able to provide extra support if needed.
Transferring schools might be a difficult decision but if it means you'll excel academically then staying focused on what's best in the long term will ultimately be worth it.
“This could give you a chance to start fresh with new subjects, modules and teachers.”
Take time off from studies
If re-taking your final exams or changing to a different university isn't an option, then nothing stops you from taking time off from your studies and returning later!
This can give you the opportunity to change your approach and regain focus.
Taking a break from studies may seem daunting but it could give you the opportunity to gain some life experience and possibly even discover new passions before deciding on what to study next.
So whether it's another degree or something else. It's important to remember that there is no rush and you should never feel pressured into making an immediate decision.
Taking your time to explore different options, talk to family and friends, or seek advice from professionals can help ensure that you make the right choice for yourself.
Explore different options
You could consider exploring alternative career paths or gaining life experience and possibly even discovering new passions before deciding on what to study next - whether it's another degree or something else!
It's important to remember that there is no rush and you should never feel pressured into making an immediate decision.
Taking your time to explore different options, short courses, or volunteering is a great way to gain insights and experience that may help you make the best decision.
If you decide to reapply
If you do decide to reapply for university, it may be beneficial to speak to your university's admissions team who’s academic advisor can advise on whether they accept applications from students with poor results in their first year and if so, what criteria must be met
Ultimately, it's possible to have a successful uni/ college experience still even if you fail your first year - just stay open-minded and don't give up on your academic work!
How to Deal with Failing Your First Year of University?
Well well well, it looks like you took a little detour on the road to academic success. But fear not, my friend! Failing your first year of university doesn't mean it's the end of the world. It's time to dust yourself off and start working towards your goals.
1) Reflect on Your Performance:
First things first, take a deep breath and reflect on what went wrong. Did you procrastinate too much? Were you too distracted by Netflix? Identifying your weaknesses and figuring out how to improve them is key to making a comeback.
2) Seek Help:
Next up, don't be shy to ask for help. Your professors, tutors, or academic advisors are there for a reason - to guide you on your academic journey. And if you really want to amp up your game, consider joining a study group or getting a tutor to help you tackle those tough subjects. So, assemble your support squad and conquer those classes like the superhero you are! 
3) Stay Motivated:
But most importantly, remember to celebrate the small victories along the way. A good grade on an exam, finishing an assignment on time - these are all wins that should be acknowledged and celebrated.
4) Take Care of Yourself:
And if you're feeling overwhelmed, take care of your mental and physical health. Take a break, go for a walk, or treat yourself to some well-deserved ice cream.
So, don't let a little bump in the road get you down. You got this! 
Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash
What happens if you fail your first year at Uni? - To wrap up
So although I understand how devastating it can feel, it’s important not to worry too much if you fail your first year of university.
Don't feel disheartened - there are plenty of options available and no matter which route you decide to take, success is still within reach!
For more insights, life hacks and student life info check back regularly to my weekly blogs to help you smash your uni goals!
Good luck on your academic journey!
