FIRST-YEAR UNIVERSITY DISASTER? HERE’S HOW TO TURN “FAILURE” INTO FUEL
Every year around this time, thousands of first-year students across South Africa open their results with a knot in their stomach. Some discover failed modules. Others realise their marks barely scraped them through. And many quietly admit, “This course just isn’t for me.”
If that’s you, breathe. You are far from alone, and according to education experts, your “bad year” could become the turning point that fuels a stronger academic future.
South Africa’s first-year dropout rate remains alarmingly high, estimated at 35–40%. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane recently raised the alarm again, warning that too many first-years fail to progress beyond year one.
But Dingaan Moropane, Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning at IIE Rosebank College, says a disappointing first year does not mean the end of the road. In fact, it is a chance to reset.
1. Before You Panic, Reflect, Properly
Moropane advises students to start by unpacking what actually happened this year.
Create a simple timeline of your academic year:
- What were the high points and low points?
- Did issues at home, financial pressure, or health challenges derail your focus?
- Were procrastination, bad time management, or weak study habits part of the problem?
This exercise turns emotion into insight. Many students fail not because they are “not smart enough”, but because high school did not prepare them adequately, workloads were overwhelming, or personal challenges got in the way.
2. Use Your University’s Support System — Immediately
The biggest mistake students make? Silence and delay.
“Universities are equipped with support services for exactly these moments,” says Moropane.
Book appointments with:
- Faculty advisors – to check academic options, appeals or repeats
- Tutoring and study support units
- Financial aid offices – especially if repeating modules
- Mental health services – if stress, anxiety and burnout affected performance
And don’t forget: holiday periods are perfect for using online learning resources to rebuild confidence and skills.
3. If You’re Doubting Your Course… Don’t Ignore It
Sometimes the problem isn’t effort, it’s misalignment.
Moropane says when your qualification doesn’t excite you, staying motivated becomes almost impossible. Disinterest can lead to burnout, failure, or dropping out altogether.
Switching courses may feel scary, but doing it early can save time, money and emotional strain.
However, and this is key, don’t jump blindly. Research widely:
- Speak to students already in the course you’re considering
- Attend open days
- Compare graduation rates, job prospects and course structures
- Make sure the new path genuinely sparks interest
Changing direction doesn’t mean you failed, it means you’re brave enough to choose better.
4. Build Better Habits for the New Year
Whether you’re repeating modules, moving into second year, or starting afresh, round two must look different.
Start small, and build habits that actually stick:
- Develop smarter study techniques
- Plan your time weekly
- Add healthy routines
- Set small, achievable academic goals
Recovery stories are everywhere, and yours can be one of them.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Your First Year Does Not Define You
A bad year is not a dead end. It’s a detour.
Treat this chapter as a lesson, not a verdict.
As Moropane puts it:
“Your first year doesn’t define you. It’s a chapter in a longer narrative. Give yourself permission to rewrite the next page.”
Cortesy: Meropa