Need motivation?

[BigAl]

Hey buddies,
So I've started uni today. But what I noticed during the one of the lectures is that I have had lack of motivation. I'm in my dream course so I know what I'm doing...but the thing is I feel so relaxed after vce. I mean I had so strong motivation during y12 to get into the course I want..but now it just feels like uni is the end rather than a new beginning..I met a lot of friends and stuff..but that's the social perspective. I feel so empty about academic life although I'd like to go on as much as possible in the area my course leads to. Is this normal for a jaffy?

[Muuru]

It's only the beginning of semester, so naturally it can take a few weeks to warm up and shake off the apathy, especially after VCE. I know I felt the same back when I started my undergraduate degree.

Keep your career goals in mind though. That's where your motivation should come from.

[Kanon]

I kinda know that feeling, bro.
Whilst I'm not in my dream course, i'm in what i thought was my dream-field, in that i could always see myself in IT or Engineering, but from the last three days of university i dont know if IT is for me. I'm definitely feeling that lack of motivation that you described, like I've already skipped some lectures which isn't good. Like I understand that some courses arnt for some people, but when i think of what type of other course I would do i just think i'd hate it, i just cant see myself doing anything at uni, TAFE or the workplace.

[lala1911]

I'm not in Uni yet, so I don't know how it feels, but here's what I think what has happened.

When you're in VCE, you NEED to get the required ATAR to enter your dream course, so you literally worked your ass off because you HAD to achieve that score. Now that you're in University, you're starting to feel too settled, knowing that now you're not competing with anyone, that you can just go to Uni 3-4 days a week, chillax, pass the tests and done. I think you should set mandatory goals (e.g must score certain ATAR to gain dream course) such as scoring a high GPA and the job position you'd like. Perhaps set out some scores that you'd like to receive for your assignments.


(That's how I imagine myself when I'm at Uni actually)

[lala1911]

but when i think of what type of other course I would do i just think i'd hate it, i just cant see myself doing anything at uni, TAFE or the workplace.

I think we're related.

[JinXi]

Don't worry about the lack of motivation. It's your first semester and you're supposed to slack and enjoy the social perspective of uni. Personally I felt the same way during the first few weeks of uni (or even first semester) too but when we started learning more complicated stuff that I was able to relate to my life, I started to really enjoy it.

It's like something that takes time to warm up before you enjoy it. Also when you go into second year, failing is a very real possibility and you'll get motivation from that fact too. Give your course at least a semester before you decide if you like it or not. The course tends to get slightly harder a few weeks into the semester, plus assignments and projects starts which are quite enjoyable to work on IMO.

[slothpomba]

I felt like this too.

It's uni though, it's a totally different ball game. It's not as insanely hardcore like a small (lets face it) segment of students treat VCE, plenty of us here though. It's pretty relaxed and chill for the most part. First year for most generalist courses ("Science", "Arts", "Commerce", Etc.) is usually insanely broad. You may be taking a few subjects you dont want or shouldn't be in. I took chem in my first year and absolutely hated it. I failed one of the units. Things like this happen when its broad, you run the risk of getting something that isn't what you want or like. Even within the general first year subjects (Eg. BIO1011) you will find chunks you don't like. I loved the evolution lectures but hated the lectures on botany and plants.

So, when you specalise down a bit more (and get closer to what you actually like/want) your marks and/or interest just might improve. Now that i'm doing actual pharmacology and subjects for the most part i have a very strong desire to do/are my major, i feel a lot more engaged and willing to do work. It might be one of those things you just have to put up with and wait it out.

It's ok to not constantly have your head burried in books, in-fact, its probably beneficial. These are some of the best and freest years of your life, enjoy them.

I'd follow JinXi's advice. I really wouldn't jump ship based on anything *under* a semester, even then its a bit thin unless you hate the entire area (say science all together). That said, if you do realise you really dont like it or cant see yourself in it, after thinking about it and trying it out for a semester, i would encourage you to jump ship. There is no use in keeping pride or dealing with sunk costs, you really shouldn't go down with the ship.  No one really cares about time in uni, people intermit (take breaks), go on exchange, take less subjects, fail, etc. So, losing a few years is no big deal but at the same time, you dont really want to throw away years or hard work either.

[Dedicated]

he is a bit crazy but still motivating http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_FG2oXc1jg