Not quite in the notorious party scene of Freshers but, yet to be drowning in dissertation research, an alarming number of second year students are suffering a ‘Mid-degree crisis’. No, that is not a reference to Wednesday nights out at Rock City but rather the term given for the very real breakdown that hits those in their penultimate year. Indeed, our former mantra of ‘First year doesn’t count!’ is no longer relevant nor do we have the organisation or work ethic that we’re hoping to magically develop in our final year of study (because that’s what happens, right?). Instead, we’re trapped in the limbo that is second year, desperate to go out and get more drunk than ever while also actually wanting to get a decent degree. A crisis affecting all second years, symptoms can be found below:
1. You’re frantically researching your job prospects.
Studying English seemed like a great idea in sixth form – when graduation was a distant dream – but now, you’re seriously beginning to question how on earth it will help you find a job. (On a personal note, if anybody could please answer this question for me, I’d be extremely grateful).
2. Some weeks, you’re going out twice as much – and getting twice as drunk – as you did in first year.
The reality of a second year workload is too much to bear, the only solution being to go for a ‘few drinks’. Before you know it, you’re downing tea pots in Rescue Rooms and are too drunk to remember your own name.
3. Other weeks, the feeling of guilt is so overwhelming, you’re chained to your desk.
Okay, you may only study for about five minutes before descending down the rabbit hole of Netflix but, at least you’re not going out for a while. That surely makes you a good student (?!)
4. You’re now beginning to regret just how little work you did in first year.
While first year didn’t seem important at the time, it transpires that it would have been extremely helpful had you gone to all those lectures. Now you’re struggling to write the most basic of essays, desperate to regain your pre-University work ethic and concentration. Were all those nights out worth the crippling stress you’re now suffering from in a bid to catch up? Okay, of course they were, but it still doesn’t make this year’s work load any easier to bear.
5. The thought of finishing your degree is making you really sad.
It’s suddenly dawned on you that, contrary to popular belief, university does not last forever. The thought of ever leaving this responsibility-free, fun-filled haven – not to mention some of your closest friends – has you terrified.
Edited by Mackenzie Orrock
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