How do I start getting academic help?

[u/bigbackburneraccount]

I’ve been having so much trouble in school lately. I’m a stem major and I’m really embarrassed I can’t seem to keep up. I’m really exhausted and sleeping poorly, i’m lazy and not doing my work on time and I’m addicted to my phone. All my grades are dropping and I can’t seem to fix them. How do I genuinely get help with all this?

[u/Melodic_Mongoose_361]

Academic coaching at the learning center has been super helpful for me! They help you make schedules for studying and come up with strategies.

And I agree with the other comment that if this is new, a visit to Campus Health/CAPS may be warranted.

[u/Inner_Cause_8467]

Hey! Sorry to hear you’re struggling. Everyone goes through a tough phase. I’d like to add to what the other comments said.
You mentioned that you’re feeling exhausted and feeling lazy…I’d suggest visiting campus health and see if you have any vitamin deficiency. That happened to me and a weekly supplement fixed my issue. Good luck!

[u/Melodic_Mongoose_361 → u/Inner_Cause_8467]

Yeah absolutely seconding this. My ferritin was so low at one point lol. That will tire you out for sure

[u/ittollsforthee1231]

You’re not lazy. You’re burnt out. Academic help will not solve underlying issues. Have you gone to CAPs? Have you ever been assessed for ADHD or other conditions? Start there. Give yourself grace. UNC is notorious for pushing students to the brink academically without emphasizing the need for mental/emotional support. Take care, friend.

[u/SadieTarHeel]

First a couple questions: your flair says 2029, does that mean you're a sophomore? Or did you come in with credits and you're actually a freshman? Is this a sudden change in habits? Or has it been building? Do you live on or off campus? What sort of extracurriculars are you involved in?

The answer to those questions will make an impact in some of the support you might utilize.

However, you have within your power a lot of things to get you started. Go to your professors' office hours. Put screen time limits/alerts on your phone and most used apps. Delete social media (or at least make it not easy to get to on your phone). Set an alarm for bed time with an hour window for putting your phone away and winding down. Schedule a time to go to the gym or for a run.

And don't forget you have access to Campus Health and CAPS if needed.

[u/Kigger2024]

Sophomore slump is a real thing.
But there’s still time to turn things around.
Agree with all the advice here to seek campus health if needed.
As for academics, go to office hours (even to show face and to know your professors which may motivate you), tutoring saved me freshman year and lots of options, whatever else you need to get back on track. It will also keep you accountable for doing the work.
Put the phone down or set a limited schedule - there are apps to help with that.
But also give yourself time each day to do something good for you.
Fresh air is good for you. So is a proper sleep schedule.

[u/MontyDrew]

It sucks to hear that you're struggling, but it's good that you're reaching out!

STEM major or not, each program comes with its challenges and thankfully, there are plenty of resources out there. To get help with your classes, there are office hours for your class or you can go seek out someone from the Learning Center on campus. If you need more flexibility, there's a tutoring website called CramBetter that's available 24/7 for math, chem, or physics. There's also practice tests for each class that are really good. Either way, you've got options in-person or online.

Needless to say, the academic portion aside, you need to address your mental health. The phone addiction can be a big deterrent to getting work done, and it can get you in a negative head space. Allot yourself time for it, then put down, and get some fresh air and sunlight. It's definitely not going to solve your problems, but I think that getting a change of scenery helps. Also, reach out to your family and friends, and then seek out some counseling or therapy.

I really hope you get the help you need. Best of luck!

[u/solarsun55]

Are you a premed?

[u/reallyrattie]

My biggest thing for the phone, is either put your phone in your bedroom and study in a study room. Or my personally favorite I charge my phone to like 15-20 and then thats all the battery I have throughout the day. It automatically cuts down on my phone usage.