Facing disappointing first-year results? Here’s how to regroup and rebuild

As the academic year draws to a close, a troubling reality unfolds for many first-year university students across South Africa: disappointing results. Whether it’s outright failure, low grades, or a growing awareness that their chosen field lacks the expected passion, these students are not alone. Educational experts argue that there’s hope on the horizon, offering guidance for those grappling with these challenges.

South Africa's university dropout rate has long been a pressing issue, particularly for first-year students. Statistics reveal a staggering dropout rate as high as 40%. Recently, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane sounded the alarm, disclosing that 35% of students fail to progress beyond their first year, intensifying calls for intervention and support for struggling students.

Dingaan Moropane, Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning at IIE Rosebank College, emphasises that the transition from high school to university can be daunting, compounded by personal challenges and mismatched expectations. However, he insists that a disappointing first year need not signal an end to one's academic journey; rather, it can be a valuable turning point.

“Students finding themselves in a predicament at the end of their first year should avoid making rash decisions, but rather take a structured approach to understanding what happened,” explains Moropane. He suggests beginning with a timeline reflecting the highs and lows of the year, assessing external factors that may have influenced performance, and identifying personal study habits that may have contributed to disappointing results.

• Reflect honestly: Chart your academic journey, acknowledging obstacles like family issues, health concerns, or job pressures.
• Learn from failures: Understand that setbacks may result from systemic issues rather than an innate inability to succeed in academia.

Once students complete this reflective exercise, Moropane recommends decisive steps to navigate the next phase:

Use university resources

Universities are typically equipped with resources tailored to help students in distress, and immediate action can alleviate mounting pressures. “Don’t hesitate to reach out — delaying can compound stress,” warns Moropane. He advises students to:

• Book appointments with faculty or student advisors, explore options for grade appeals, and inquire about retaking modules without penalty.
• Tap into tutoring and study support services, as well as mental health resources, particularly if stress has impacted performance.

With a wealth of online resources available, students can also take advantage of the holiday break to improve their academic skills.

Reassess your academic path

If uncertainty about one’s chosen field looms, Moropane encourages questioning whether it's truly the right fit. “Switching majors early can, ironically, save time and money,” he notes. A lack of genuine enthusiasm may ultimately lead to burnout or disillusionment.

• Pause and reconsider: It's wise to rethink academic choices rather than trudging through a programme that feels misaligned.
• Conduct thorough research: Explore new programmes, converse with graduates and current students, and assess future career opportunities carefully.

Making a switch isn’t a mark of failure — it demonstrates courage and self-awareness. However, Moropane warns against impulsive decisions, urging students to invest time in exploring alternate paths.

Create sustainable habits for the next chapter

Whether retaking a year, pushing forward, or embarking on a new journey, Moropane insists that it is essential to build on the lessons learned from a challenging first year. “Focus on sustainable routines rather than overnight changes,” he advises.

• Work on effective study methods and time management skills.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and set small, achievable goals for incremental growth.

Success stories abound, proving that recovery from a difficult first year is entirely feasible. Moropane concludes, “Your first year doesn't define you — it's merely a chapter in a longer narrative. Treat setbacks as learning opportunities and allow yourself to rewrite the next page with a path that truly excites you.”

IOS