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Okay, I need to rant/destress a bit. I hope no one will interpret this as attention seeking or as a "pity party". I could just really use some positive feedback, support, and advice as of right now--and I already know that this mess of a situation is my own doing.
I decided to take 14 credit hours over the summer so that I could finish my bachelor's degree early because a course I need to graduate would not be offered again until next spring and I didn't want to spend another year in school for one course (finishing my bachelor's of Biology in 3 years) and start a master's program (which I have already been accepted into) this fall. 14 credit hours over the summer is essentially double credits because the courses are condensed into 4-8 weeks, which means work load wise is essentially taking 28 credits or 2 semesters worth of classes in one semester's time.
I've been struggling. The work load is insane. The university recommends 2-3 hours of outside study per credit hour and at essentially 28 credits (because the pace is so fast with summer courses) to stay afloat I'm supposed to be studying 56-84 hours per week (keep in mind this is outside of normal class hours and does not include the 10 hours I already spend in lecture every week).
On top of all of that I added a puppy (I know, I know, that was an extra responsibility I decided to take on and I have nobody to blame but myself for this condrum) which has taken away from my ability to study to a large degree because he needs to be trained, played with, and taken out to potty regularly.
This summer has just been so stressful. I found an apartment for the summer to complete my classes and the place flooded about 2 weeks in to me living there--causing me to have to live out of a living room with 2 of my other roommates for another 2 weeks, before our landlord decided to terminate our lease. I had to move again and I don't have a car at the moment which was stressful because I had to rely on a friend to help me move. The place I live now is an hour's walk from campus or about a 25 minute bike ride one way, which makes getting to classes or studying very inconvient and time consuming.
My new place also does not have WiFi which makes studying and turning in hw almost impossible (I don't want to buy WiFi as I will only be living here for 2 more weeks and most contracts are for a year minimum). Biking to campus and studying because I do not have access to WiFi is very difficult while having a puppy because I can't just leave him alone for hours and hours at a time and I can't exactly take him with me when I'm so far from campus since I lack a vehicle.
I'm so worried I'll fail the main class that I need to graduate and it won't be offered again until next spring. I wouldn't be able to start my master's program this fall if I do, I'd have to take a gap semester (because the class isn't offered in the fall and there is no other class I can take to fill this graduation requirement), wait another full year to actually earn my bachelor's degree, and spend another 5k in tuition (at least) all for ONE class, if I mess this up. If I mess this up, I also won't have any of my scholarships to help me out with paying tuition either because I didn't renew them for my undergraduate career since I intend to graduate this summer.
I just don't know what to do or how to handle this. I'm doing the best that I can and it's not enough. I'm struggling in my classes because I can't devote enough time to study while being so far away from campus and needing to take care of my puppy. I got this puppy in the hopes of training him to be an ESA (emotional support animal) as I suffer with severe panic attacks and anxiety (partly because I'm often in very stressful situations such as this) and I love him to pieces and have not dared to sacrifice his well being for my own (main reason I'm falling behind in school) but this is inducing much more frequent and much more severe anxiety/panic attacks because I have an intense fear of failure.
Does anyone have any ideas on how I can better manage my time given the restrains I have (no access to homework/studying material, inconvient location, and the responsibility of a new puppy)? Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated.

Mea 7 July 22
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6 comments

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1

You are not the first person to have an insane workload in college. You won't be the last. Other people have survived, and so will you.

Worst possible case? You don't pass the one class you need. Is it possible to do it as independent study?

Don't even bother answering that. Just hug your dog, get back to work, and pass the class.

1

You can buy, at walmart, for around $40, internet access devices that you pay for by the minutes used, streaming minutes, not email. Very cheap very reliable, i use it while traveling in my RV.

1

you will get through it! and the struggles will build character. I had the same frantic life as a young father working full time and getting an MBA. Looking back I'm not sure how I did it. You simply fo it one day at a time. And take a minute or two now and then to smile and appreciate the opportunity you have in life that creates this hectic recipe...

boom Level 4 July 23, 2018

Thank you, I'm trying.

1

I would try to plan out my day outside of class. 1 hour for class1, 5 minutes of playing with dog. 1 hour for class2, 5 minutes (or 15 to go outside for a walk), repeat endlessly, somewhere you need to eat. It means very little social life, no time for friends, hard work, no tv, gaming. Take a course book wherever you go and read (restaurant, laundry). Seek help with classes you need help in. Your dog is going to be your only friend -- always remember. It will be hard, but it is only for 1 semester. YOU CAN DO IT!

xyz123 Level 7 July 23, 2018
1

If you have a phone carrier that has an unlimited plan ie Verizon etc, you can use your phone as a mobile hotspot. That would take some of the stress off...

My phone is a "dumb" smart phone so I unfortunately do not have that option.

@Mea bummer. I was in the same boat as you and did the upgrade. Glad I did because I travel a lot. Good luck though! πŸ™‚ it’s only temporary!

0

Sorry my thoughts aren't supper well organized and some of the information is repetitive and possibly unclear. It's difficult to convey everything I'm feeling in writing in a clear and concise matter. Hopefully everyone will get the jist and if any portion is particularly unclear, I can try to rephrase what I mean.

Mea Level 7 July 22, 2018
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