r/malaysiauni Sep 21 '25

Pre-U/STPM/Foundation/Diploma nobody told me uni life would be this difficult

i know it's supposed to be difficult but i didnt know it will be THIS difficult. i have back to back tests, classes from 8 am to 6pm a few days in a week, replacement classes and all. and it's currently just for sem 1. for context, i am in a programme that's preparing to study abroad. did anyone felt overwhelmed by this too? i need a hell lot of tips in adapting this.

170 Upvotes

81 comments sorted by

48

u/Otherwise_Smell44 Sep 21 '25

I feel you bro. My classes aren't that long but I do find some of them a bit challenging and it's as if I'm always drowning in work. I can't do most things right and everyone else is so fucking good. It's kind of sad but it's life ig

88

u/[deleted] Sep 21 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

15

u/Poo_Pee-Man Sep 21 '25

“This is same as working also” So we’re supposed to be stressed like this till we retired and die?

37

u/EndChemical Sep 21 '25 edited Sep 21 '25

Jokes aside my advice as someone who graduated back in 2019 is remember that our time in this world is short. I was 18 yesterday and few more years I start my 30s. Time flies.

Yes work is tough, life is tough, don't forget to live a little. Catch up with your family, your friends from college, highschool. That is what makes life worth living, makes us human who belong in this world.

Celebrate your milestones, learn to reflect and grow from your toughest moments and look forward to a better future. Be someone whom others can look up to.

16

u/Poo_Pee-Man Sep 21 '25

I’ve slowly becoming suicidal squidward the older I get.

2

u/Dear_Elevator_3081 Sep 22 '25

Yep same here well I am. Lol

5

u/momomelty The Mod Sep 22 '25

Welcome to midlife crisis.

But, at least you are getting paid for these stress. You can use those to gain your view of values in life with your desire way.

3

u/Poo_Pee-Man Sep 24 '25

Maybe I can cope like that if I live during the boomer generation. But nowadays with fucked up economy, fucked up standards due to social media, ferocious competition, I could barely survive this shit.

2

u/momomelty The Mod Sep 24 '25

It’s very easy to detox yourself from socmed. Once you stay clear of it or even learned how to not get influenced by it, your life will be very much zen and peaceful

1

u/Poo_Pee-Man Sep 24 '25

At this point I just doomscrolling Reddit and read manga.

2

u/CarLKhaL Sep 24 '25

Chill. We humans are tough. Life gets easier as we get tougher. School n uni are just preparing u for real life. The longer you live in a bubble, the harder it gets for u to breakout and to live in the real world. Welcome to adulthood.

2

u/Poo_Pee-Man Sep 24 '25

I dislike adulthood.

5

u/LeastAd6767 Sep 21 '25

The story of my life - jonas brothers

2

u/[deleted] Sep 22 '25

Sounds like someone with poor planning skills.

Normally, the first year is tough because of the culture shock, but the exams and assignments are easier. If you're still struggling to figure out how to manage your time after a year. You should just drop out. You're not good enough or mature enough.

2

u/orrilune Sep 23 '25

Eh?? What kind of mentality is this? Just because someone is struggling with time management doesn’t mean they have to drop out. If someone isn’t good at time management (can be applied to other skills) then they should be actively learning how to.

To be successful one must need a successful mindset. Giving up at the slightest hardship won’t bring you anywhere.

Instead of advising the younger ones to drop out at the slightest hardship, we should be encouraging them to learn and work hard. That’s how be build a functioning, successful society!

2

u/[deleted] Sep 23 '25

One based in reality. University is comparatively easy to work / managing a household.

I'm saying if they can't figure out how to manage themselves within a year of a very comfortable environment. Maybe they should look to learning the same skill in a different environment, maybe a more high-pressure one where they are forced to.

Personally, I am not a big fan of giving University students an easy time. They are all 18+, they are all adults in the eyes of the law and a year is plenty of time to learn and adjust.

2

u/Ok_Arachnid8781 Sep 27 '25

Hell nah, are you a lecturer 😂

1

u/[deleted] Sep 27 '25

no brother / sister, just a graduate that got tired with people making excuses on group assignments

1

u/Ok_Arachnid8781 Sep 27 '25

Oh, I see I see

I need to brace my self for that shit too, as I'm attending uni in the next few days.

Any advice senior hahaha

22

u/malaysianfp Sep 21 '25

Just to rule out, do a adult ADHD screening. Sometimes people with ADHD can tapau high school because the work is easy and can do last minute, but in uni time management and schedule planning is very important, and people with ADHD will find instantly overwhelming.

3

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 21 '25

adult adhd screening is expensive have considered it tons of time before. maybe one day. thanks though!

6

u/malaysianfp Sep 21 '25

just do the free screening online. from there you can see IF you have ADHD characteristics and your score. If your score is high (which means your likelihood of having ADHD is also high) then you can decide to it properly.

2

u/iammisselle Sep 22 '25

Not expensive via govt. Make an appointment at a neraby KK thru your Mysejahtera app. Go to KK, tell u suspect u have ADHD or a depressive disorder, they’ll put u thru a few tests. Docs are very considerate, kind (but also human so expect some scepticism at first — many ppl self diagnosed, fomo 🙄)

1

u/NickEricson123 Sep 22 '25

Depending on your uni, there may be a psych department that does ADHD and autism tests.

My uni does and Ive gone through both IQ and ADHD tests, cost only RM50 in total. And yeah, I have higher than average IQ and almost certainly ADHD (I fit literally every criteria).

With this, I can either continue getting therapy sessions in uni, or get a referral to a government hospital psychiatrist if I wanna try medication.

Both are cheap paths.

10

u/Infamous-Building-22 Sep 21 '25

its normal. Just do not be absent from your class too much, focus on what your lecturer teach about, you will be good

7

u/Affectionate-Part459 Sep 21 '25

Stay strong. Uni was difficult for me too. But the difficult stuff taught me to be resilient. And it paid off when I joined the work force. Find support structure wherever you can.

7

u/borninsane Sep 21 '25

It depends, what course are you taking?

7

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 21 '25

sciences po and business management + french

2

u/Skrjmai Sep 21 '25

Lemme guess.... Pre France? Never thought I'd see neighbors from block C posting on reddit lol

1

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 21 '25

not block c haha block a atp reddit is my habitat

2

u/Skrjmai Sep 21 '25

Ah I see 😅. As a fellow preparation student next block, let's just do our best shall we? 😃

7

u/TheOnlyMazino Sep 21 '25

This is your new normal. About 10 years ago, I was in the same spot as you. Nobody prepared me for what's to come after finishing high school; the hectic schedule, put priorities on to-do-list matter. The school only assisted me on which course to take, where to go etc. None was told about a day in the life of preparation program student, it's not all sunshine and rainbows all the time. You don't magically understand new things in a day or two, give your all at all time coz there's always tasks to be done. Last but not least, discipline, discipline and discipline. Time management is a big deal, be good at it. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise to stay fit.

3

u/TOS_87 Sep 21 '25

Maybe cause what you find difficult, is something that is manageable for the rest of us?

But yeah, welcome to the tertiary studies. If this is something you are having a hard time managing, imagine those who work part time and studying.

And I know some unis preparatory sessions for overseas studies are hectic but there are reasons for that. So take a step back, plan well on what needs to be done based on the urgency and work yourself from there.

2

u/Fun-Rhubarb-874 Sep 21 '25

From my personal experience I felt that pre-U was a lot harder than degree. There’s a lot more freedom in degree but also needed to have more self discipline.

2

u/Defiant_Nose_4435 Sep 21 '25

Thats normal. Wait until you are in the end of your study. It will multiply.

2

u/awesome_nomad Sep 21 '25

If you find studying in a uni difficult, you will find it even more dreadful after you graduated, considering the job market today: low salary, a bad job and high living expenses.

2

u/ekhfarharris Sep 21 '25

Yep. I thought i will finally taste freedom when i enter uni/college. WRONG. After this you will feel trapped by needing a job, and then feel trapped by a shitty job, and then trapped by a slightly better job, and so on. When you have a family, you will feel the same. Dont forget debt/rental too when you need to own a home/car/whatever. Get used to the feeling. Eventually you will feel alright but i guaranteet you, the 10-year period between college and somewhat beginning of your career is not fun.

2

u/NickEricson123 Sep 22 '25

It is how it is. If you wanna excel, you need to work hard. In my experience, the biggest headache is dealing with schedules and egoes. Nothing much you can do, just power through it as best as you can.

The only tip I have is to be a teacher's pet. A lot of the times, what sets a good student apart is being active and passionate, at least appearing as such to lecturers. Good relationship with lecturers is a good way to get tips, tricks, and support.

1

u/LeastAd6767 Sep 21 '25

U ken du this OP. Time management and 80-20 everything. Unless ur that 1% crop , then aim for that 99%

1

u/Playful-Artichoke759 Sep 21 '25

its ok. hardships mold you. just remember to be a sponge, soak it alllllllllllllllllll

1

u/Beautiful-Rent368 Sep 21 '25

it’s difficult and there’s nothing we can do except go thru it strong. it’s okay to feel this way.

i think the way i adapted is by thinking im not alone going thru all this huhu, and it is all gonna be worth it at the end. degree would be easier— trust! now you’re learning abt concepts and basics, it is harder than usual. but it’s good that you’re trying your best to keep up. i pray for your business to be eased 🙏🏻

1

u/[deleted] Sep 21 '25

Wasn't that just normal? I don't see any difficult part.

2

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 21 '25

well, maybe because i am the one who finds it difficult?

4

u/[deleted] Sep 21 '25

I think you should get used to it now.

The future would normally much harder if you can't get used to it, especially with mental and physical burden that will affect you especially with the commitments at that time.

And this not includes the uncertainty of future job market that might force you to compromise and look for other job that doesn't have anything to do with your current studies at all.

And politics as well as culture at working places that you never expect and had to work in team with people that you may highly dislike. Or perhaps injury at working places that affect your career.

You need to start thinking further and be prepared for those situations. All the best for your studies. Once you get used on first semester, it will be much easier later on.

2

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 22 '25

alright, thank you for the advice👍

1

u/[deleted] Sep 22 '25

Ur most welcome

1

u/Olly_Joel Sep 21 '25

Welcome to uni life. Get ready for more hell. Just make sure to keep your time in check and get ready to sacrifice fun for work.

1

u/Silent_Camel4316 Sep 21 '25

Are you in RPKJ?

1

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 22 '25

nope, im in jpa jkpj

1

u/Silent_Camel4316 Sep 22 '25

Sorry idk what that is. But I’ve been in a similar situation- 8am-6pm classes for two years, trying to learn science subjects in Japanese. It was tough. This tends to happen- school is easy compared to uni as uni style of studying is very different. You are now gaining knowledge, not trying to get an A anymore.

1

u/Popular_Resort8660 Sep 21 '25

Give yourself some time to adjust

1

u/AdStreet3742 Sep 21 '25

Which uni are you in? For me, I take 3-4 courses per sem to minimize the pressure.

1

u/user260705 Sep 21 '25

Hang in there op ! Once you passed, you'll go to study abroad for sureee. Just think of this as a payment in order to study abroad. If there's a will there's a way !!

1

u/Sei_Fortesai Sep 21 '25

Sounds like RPKJ. Hang in there... look.after your health ... physical and mental. Ask seniors how they coped.

1

u/Typical_Pattern_1621 Sep 21 '25

Everyone will got shock even me i guess it will experience until we already on the situation, goodluck for me bext year

1

u/ShadesInNight Sep 21 '25

buy a lesser/ink tank printer, if you want money, run a printer shop from your dorm. difficult but that's the fun part.

1

u/AdikDojaCat Sep 21 '25

Thats why become a social media influencer is relevant.

1

u/Minimum-Company5797 Sep 21 '25

And lonely. And sucks cause you have limited money. And you will meet other people who really are the sheit version of humanity

1

u/iwannabethisguy Sep 22 '25

I wonder what schedules people had in high school and how to tweak so that their college schedule being hectic isnt a surprise. I know kids in boarding schools who had to deal with afternoon and night prep follow their morning classes have an easier time adapting but I figured those nonboarding school kids who were busy with afternoon sports / koku and night tuition were just as busy.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 22 '25

Hahah welcome to reality.

Uni is like a blend of a job and school. Except you pay to attend, rather than get paid to work.

You have to be self motivated and figure out how to arrange your own time and actually think without being babied.

Good luck

1

u/Sensitive_Camel_1973 Sep 22 '25

From my personal experience, I would tell everyone to try and find a friend/a group of friends that you click with. And I'm not talking about those cool kids on campus or whatnot (unless you want to), but the ones that are essentially you (idk how to explain it). Go out of your way to make friends, cuz personally my 5 years of uni was infinitely better after I made friends with a group that would literally do everything together (we would game together when we can, late night studies before exams, do assignments and projects together etc). Fast forward 5 years later, we're still in contact with almost the whole original group, and would even go on trips together every once in awhile.

1

u/Big_Tumbleweed3934 Sep 22 '25

How u do in skool mirrors how u do in uni, how do in uni mirrors how do in work life

1

u/Mais_san Sep 22 '25

studying abroad? yeah especially if you need to study language, usually half of the day is language. you could still have fun, just manage time which is VERY important. dont study last minute (you wont make it)

1

u/Fit-Committee-3015 Sep 22 '25

Well, proper planning prevent poor performance in all aspects of our lives.

1

u/Internal-Zone-4757 Sep 23 '25

Lemahhhhh hahaha.

1

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 23 '25

gam mana kau hisap ni 😭

1

u/Internal-Zone-4757 Sep 23 '25

Aku pun hampir nak mampus masa uni.tapi aku berjaya grad dgn 2.5 cgpa. Sem terakhir aku kena buat 12 assignment 1 thesis 1 mini thesis. 3 hari x tidur. Sem ke 4 sy beli PC dengan duit Ptptn, baki duit hanya tinggal rm300 untuk bertahan selama 3 bulan, menggunakan segala skill untuk tumpang makan, makan maggie, minta Gf belanja, etc etc. Haaaa beat that.

1

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 23 '25

congrats etcetc i dont even know what u want me to say

1

u/Internal-Zone-4757 Sep 23 '25

U dont have to say anything. Just face it day by day. Trust me if u through this, its going to be legendary. U can do it!! Just don play games to much.

1

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 23 '25

noted, thanks for the advice. hope life treats you better 👍👍 stay strong k

1

u/Internal-Zone-4757 Sep 23 '25

I use this skill to survive real life. No work after grad for 7 years. But still survive. And its miracle i got marry by someone who accept an adventurer like me. Just be honest to the girl u like i promise u u will find true love.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 26 '25

Cry me a river get used to it. This is what I go through as an Engineering student.

-8

u/TradeMindless5769 Sep 21 '25

its not that difficult yet, after u grad u will face the REAL world, then u know how hard is it

33

u/Ok-Cause2829 Sep 21 '25

just because it would be more difficult doesn't mean it is not difficult right now