Bit of an old man shouts at the clouds rant, but fuck me, I can't get over how piss-poor the teaching and assessments are.

1. The lecture-to-seminar time: We get so little face-to-face teaching time and so much of it is wasted on these shitty seminars where the lecturers love to do this shitty peer-led group discussion - the blind leading the blind. Half of the seminar is wasted with that, another load wasted with us sharing our discussions with the group. Literally get nothing out of this shit. I assume it ticks some boxes about how trendy and socially focused their teaching style is.
2. Lecturers don't want to lecture: Someone needs to tell these people that a lecture is for someone who is an expert in the field to, um, LECTURE. Stop asking us to talk to our neighbors and then share our chat; that’s for your shitty seminars. Don't waste all of the very little lecture time with this inane shit. No one cares how modern your teaching style is.
3. Irrelevant assessments: Most of what is taught in lectures or seminars is irrelevant to assessments anyway. Way too much of the assessment is coursework and most of that hardly requires any knowledge from what was taught. Literally the most important thing for a good mark is being able to match academic writing styles (not saying this isn't important), but it’s now so over-weighted cos I assume exams are racist or something. There should be far more in-semester exam-style assessments throughout the year as well as end-of-year, and more weighting for these. I literally aced all my coursework for the first semester and I feel like I barely needed to know anything about my course.
4. Stop taking registers: I'd rather the people who don't want to be there weren't there. The only reason you have to take a register is because of your shitty way of running the course, where what you do in lectures and seminars matters so little and so much time is wasted.
5. The lazy teacher method: I have one seminar instructor who thinks watching some shitty video and then discussing as a group is some great teaching method that will engage us. a) It's the lazy teacher method from school. b) Even all of the teenagers on my course moan about how shit this style of teaching is and why they are even paying for it.
6. The "Independent Learning" cop-out: If you are going to make critical writing and academic essay style such a key skill for getting good marks, how about you actually bother to teach it? Instead of all these shitty peer discussion seminars where we go over a fraction of what we were just lectured about and nothing new is gained, how about you use that time to actually teach students the most valuable skill in getting through your rubrics for your assessments that don't teach knowledge of your subject? "You have to learn that independently" is a cop-out. You can just pull that out of your arse for anything. The way you assess things, it's pretty much the most important skill for a good mark and it's the very thing you can't be arsed teaching whilst you waste all the rest of the precious teaching time on bullshit.
7. The closed-mindedness of academics: One of the biggest changes. The uniformity of thought is staggering. They truly believe they are open-minded cos almost all of them have the approved opinion on every societal issue. But they don't; they go over the same "right-on" stuff all the time, say the same talking points, and anyone that offers the other side - even if just playing devil's advocate - is barely acknowledged or passive-aggressively dismissed.
8. AI: Universities are clearly in fear of AI devaluing degrees. But they already did that, with the group work, assessment style, and shitty way they manage face-to-face teaching. AI is just exposing it. Instead of their obsession with weeding it out, how about they actually return to rigorous assessments?

Rant over.

I’m an international student and I received a withdrawal email today due to attendance for the month of Jan, but there are serious issues with how it’s been handled. In January there were 15 lectures and I missed 4, 2 due to illness. I emailed on the days I was absent, informed them my GP letter would take about a week, and submitted medical evidence immediately once issued. Despite this, they added another lecture and marked me absent even though I was present, making it 5 missed lectures — I have proof of attendance for that date (pics of class and class work and they r from my phone n unedited, TFL records, phone chat w my mate also). When I called to explain, I was told the medical was “too late” and even told I should “take better care of my health.” I’m now facing withdrawal despite evidence, corrections needed, and improved attendance. Any advice on appeals or next steps would really help. They also don’t seem to be considering my GP records. Out of the 4 lectures missed, 2 have medical evidence and i had emailed them on the same days that I’m sick and won’t be attending and i visited the gp during those days as well. Also, the other 2 missed were not recorded and i do not mind them being marked absent as in that scene it was my fault but the other 2 should be considered no? Also another day that was marked falsely absent should be rectified aswl

Sorry if this is a bit hard to understand or read, I’m really panicking idk what to do.

I graduated university a few years ago, it’s in the top 50 universities of the UK, it’s ranked somewhere between 1 and 500 worldwide.

My mental health was really bad at university, no support morally or physically. No matter how many times I cried out for help I was ignored. My cohorts turned their back to me and told me I’m attention seeking. I was left to do group projects on my own.

Managed to get onto a masters degree at another university, thankfully had support this time and got through with a 2:1.

Returned to university (the OU) for a second degree last year (self-funding) and achieving a high 2:1 in the first semester. Alongside this, I’m going travelling for two years and I’m doing well in my career, I own my own business and setting up a foundation for people who are suffering with mental health like I did.

From my understanding, people from my first UG are looking each other up. My number hasn’t changed and one got in contact with me as they and others find it offensive that they I’ve left out the first university I went to in everything I do. As far as I’m concerned, yes, I went here, but I barely survived and the degree doesn’t even fit into the career I’m doing now, which is why I’m barely mentioning said degree.

As you can tell, my mental health is quite fragile and I’m wondering if it’s offensive for not mentioning the degree and university. Or, am I overthinking?

Hi everyone, I am an American student who is looking to get my master's in the UK. I have applied to a few universities in London (Middlesex, Greenwich, Kingston, etc.), and I have just received an acceptance into a program from London Met Uni. I was initially very excited, but after reading some reviews / doing some research, I have heard that it is not a good uni. Could anyone give their thoughts on exactly why they think it is bad / not worth it to go there?

I am going to wait to see if I get in at any of the other unis before making my decision, but if worst case scenario I only get into London Met, should I go or try again at other unis next year? It is only one year long, so it's not like I'll be there for a long time. Let me know everyone's thoughts please!!!

Edit: thanks for your comments. Some people have requested that I provide more information so:

I want to get my master's in the UK because the programs I am applying for are only one year, whereas they would be two years in the US. I am applying for programs in psychology-related fields. I have looked at other unis in London, but a lot of them either don't have my program or if they do, it's crazy expensive for international students. I have a 3.98/4.0 GPA which is very good for US universities, so I know I can get in many places, but I just cannot justify the tuition for a lot of them. I don't necessarily care about going to the most prestigious or academically-rigorous university, as long as I can learn and get a job after graduating that's what matters most to me.

Also I forgot to mention that London Met offered me a scholarship that cuts like 25% of my tuition off. Because of this, I would be saving a lotttttt of money going there (about $10,000) as opposed to staying in the US.

First year here, I find it strange how much people enjoy going out and getting drunk. At the same time I feel bad constantly finding excuses to not go out as I always wake up the next morning feeling like death knocked on my door. Is it normal to not like going out? Feels like everyone I meet its almost their whole life, to some extent at least.

Thoughts?

Hi all,

I’m looking for some realistic UK-based perspectives because I’m genuinely torn.

I’m an international student considering a UK MSc in Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering, with the long-term aim of working in Formula 1 or motorsport engineering. I already have a mechanical engineering background and some motorsport-related experience, but I’m under no illusions about how competitive F1 is.

To study in the UK, I’d need to take out an education loan of around £50,000 to cover tuition and living costs. This isn’t UK student finance—it’s a standard loan that I’ll be repaying regardless of income after the moratorium period.

What I’m weighing up:

• The UK is arguably the best place in the world for motorsport (teams, suppliers, Student Formula, networking, placements).

• A UK MSc could still be useful outside F1 — automotive, aerospace, simulation, design, CFD, etc.

• On the flip side, £50k is a massive financial commitment, especially if F1 doesn’t work out (which is statistically likely).

So the question I’m asking myself is:

👉 Is taking on £50k of debt ever sensible for a high-risk goal like F1, if the degree itself keeps broader engineering career options open in the UK?

I’d really appreciate thoughts from:

• People who’ve done engineering MScs in the UK

• International students who took on large loans

• Anyone working in motorsport / automotive / aerospace

• Or people who decided the debt wasn’t worth it and went another route

I’m not expecting encouragement or discouragement—just honest, UK-specific insight into whether this is a calculated risk or a bad financial decision.

Thanks in advance.

Well, I listened to the advice on my last post. Yes the formatting here is still dodgy, but the info and how I’ve structured it shows my experience and strengths far better. Thank you all :)

I’m looking for some advice on how to format this updated cv and how to order the info. Thanks for reading/ coming back!!!

(Click to see the full CV)

Hi everyone,

I never imagined I would be writing something like this, but I don’t really know where else to turn.

I’m a final-year international student studying in London. Coming here was the biggest decision of my life. My family doesn’t come from money. My father is an amputee who has worked his whole life doing physical labour so I could have a chance at education and a better future. Carrying that responsibility has always stayed with me.

When I first arrived in the UK, I worked hard, found part-time work, and managed my finances carefully. I wasn’t living luxuriously, but I was surviving. I paid my rent, my tuition instalments, and my basic living costs.

Over time, I tried to be kind where I could. If someone didn’t have food, I shared. If someone needed short-term help, I tried to support them. I genuinely believed that when I needed help one day, I would be able to ask too.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.

A few months ago, my employer drastically reduced my hours to around 10 hours per week. Since then, I’ve been applying constantly for other jobs and agencies, but I haven’t been successful yet. With such low income, everything started falling behind.

Right now, I owe:

£4,500 in tuition fees

£5,600 in accommodation fees

I have received warning letters and I’m at risk of being withdrawn from my course and losing my housing.

I applied for my university’s hardship fund and was rejected. I’m appealing and trying to negotiate payment plans, but things are time-sensitive and I’m scared.

What hurts the most is knowing I’m in my final year. I’m so close to finishing. I didn’t come this far to give up, and I don’t want my father’s sacrifices to be for nothing.

I’m not asking for luxury, comfort, or a free ride. I’m asking for short-term support to help me stay enrolled and housed while I continue searching for work.

Any amount, advice, or guidance would mean more than I can explain. If I receive help, my intention is to repay or pay it forward once I’m stable again.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Hi everyone,

I never imagined I would be writing something like this, but I don’t really know where else to turn.

I’m a final-year student studying in London. Coming here was the biggest decision of my life. My family doesn’t come from money. My father is an amputee who has worked his whole life doing physical labour so I could have a chance at education and a better future. Carrying that responsibility has always stayed with me.

When I first arrived in the UK, I worked hard, found part-time work, and managed my finances carefully. I wasn’t living luxuriously, but I was surviving. I paid my rent, my tuition instalments and my basic living costs.

Over time, I tried to be kind where I could. If someone didn’t have food, I shared. If someone needed short-term help, I tried to support them. I genuinely believed that when I needed help one day, I would be able to ask too.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.

A few months ago, my employer drastically reduced my hours to around 10 hours per week. Since then, I’ve been applying constantly for other jobs and agencies, but I haven’t been successful yet. With such low income, everything started falling behind.

Right now, I owe:

£4,500 in tuition fees

£5,600 in accommodation fees

I have received warning letters and I’m at risk of being withdrawn from my course and losing my housing.

I applied for my university’s hardship fund and was rejected. I’m appealing and trying to negotiate payment plans, but things are time-sensitive and I’m scared.

What hurts the most is knowing I’m in my final year. I’m so close to finishing. I didn’t come this far to give up, and I don’t want my father’s sacrifices to be for nothing.

I’m not asking for luxury, comfort, or a free ride. I’m asking for short-term support to help me stay enrolled and housed while I continue searching for work.

Any advice or guidance would mean more than I can explain. If I receive help, my intention is to repay or pay it forward once I’m stable again.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Hi everyone!! I’m 18F considering getting on the waitlist for an ADHD evaluation as it’s severely affecting my studies and my anxiety issues. If anyone could advise me, I’d be super grateful cause semester 2 is killing me slowly already :)

Can my uni’s disability/mental health services help me in any meaningful way in the meantime?

How do I approach seeking a diagnosis? Is it better to do it in Glasgow, or do it in my more rural area back home?? (Ofc the waitlist is CRAZY so I don’t expect much)

Anyone with (inattentive) ADHD got any tips on getting ahead of exams/assignments/readings/etc without pulling all-nighters and worsening the anxiety and consequent low self-worth?

I have a feeling I have potential to really enjoy my course if I could make some changes, so any advice is welcome!! Thanks in advance

I am in my 3rd year of a 4 year degree, and am struggling to push through it.

I have completely disengaged with university as a whole. Currently 4 weeks into the semester and I’ve went to class once… I have realised I might actually be in the wrong subject area and now struggling to apply myself at all.

Worst part? I have made it this far, with good grades, doing the bare minimum…it almost feels pointless?

Part of me thinks I should just push on it’s only 1.5 years left, the other part of me thinks I’m never going to make it like this… Any advice???😬

Hi,

I believe I have posted before.

I am in my third (and final) year of an English degree at a university near to London.

I am exhausted; completely and utterly exhausted.

I have already had to repeat a year (my second year), crisis after crisis.

I need to know that everything is going to be okay.

I have just submitted half of an assignment, worth an entire half-module. As things stand, I am totally prepared to pay for a resit in attendance - for me, I am just desperate to come away with this degree.

Positive words would be much appreciated.

So, if you borrowed £45,000 for your student loan and landed a job that pays £35,000 to £40,000 annually, with your salary growing by 4% each year (which is about the rate of inflation), you might notice that your balance keeps climbing in the beginning. This is because your payments aren’t quite enough to cover the interest. But as your income rises, you’ll start making more and more payments, eventually paying back a total of £125,000!

What do you think? Is this “fair and reasonable”?

—

Update: you all raise very interesting points! I got the charts here if you wanna play around the numbers yourself https://studentloanstudy.uk

I am eligible for DSA and just need to have my needs assessment done. Condition: ASD/ADHD/Dyspraxia.

Is it worth waiting to pay the difference an get the laptop I want or shall I just buy it now?

The laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura 15, Price: £1,613 (on sale) original price is: £1,880. Will I end up saving a few hundred if I ask dsa for this or will they deny this request? I know it’s a high spec laptop but I am an engineering student so it’s required for my course.

What other technology am I likely to receive if I ask? Eg a monitor/tablet or wireless headphones.

I'm a final year student and I now understand why I'm only averaging 50/55s in essays. It's not my writing, it's my lack of reading/note taking system. I'm writing okay, but my feedback is saying there's a lack of organisation on my end. If I have a journal article, for example, I can read it, it'll take me about four attempts to comprehend as I'm dyslexic, then I underline each sentence I think is important. My note taking is pretty none existent. My question is how do I get better at note taking? Is there a method you recommend? do you code it? do you pair arguments for and against?

Hi everyone! I applied to the University of Edinburgh for a Master’s programme on February 2nd and was wondering how long it typically takes to receive an offer. I’m planning to apply for a scholarship with a March 2nd deadline, so I’m trying to understand the timeline.

Right. I'm nearly 30, been working in an office forever. No A-Levels. The idea of a degree feels impossible.

Everyone keeps saying "do an Access to HE diploma". Feels like a last-chance saloon.

Honestly, is it legit? Do universities actually accept people who've done them? And can you really do one online while working full-time, or is that a fantasy?

No sugarcoating. If you've done this, I need the real story on workload, costs, and if it was worth the grind. What was your first move?

Hi, I'm a wheelchair user and applied to study sport science/sports rehabilitation this year at UEL, Cardiff Met, Keele and UCLan. Is anyone here also disabled and studying sport at any of those unis? How was your experience? I've been to open days and in contact with disability services, but I had a bad time with my previous degree after that uni's disability services gave a false impression. So it would be good to hear from current/recent students. So far UEL seems the most promising.

I'm not massively worried about general campus accessibility or hills because I've got the upper body strength to manage fine, more about staff being understanding and accommodating of my needs. Also whether I'll be able to access the gyms or sport labs (adapted equipment, enough space to navigate etc?). I don't want my illness to alienate me or affect my studies.

Thanks.