Introduction

[cosmicvoid]

How did you find PF?

Via Google Search

Hello everyone, I'm Cosmo. I'm an 18 years old student majoring in physics. I found this forum cause I was searching on Google if it's common for physics student to feel like they're in the wrong major in the first semester cause it feels like too much for me to learn the materials even the ones that are considered as "basic math" or "basic physics", I've initial fascination with the universe's mysteries and it disconnect with the reality of intense, foundational mathematics courses required to understand those concepts. I found this forum and it turns out I'm not the only person feeling this way, I feel overwhelmed and wondering if this is what I really want. But yeah, if anyone's reading this, I hope we can be friends :)

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to PF.

Yes, it is a common feeling for university freshmen. Often it is because high school math and science were easy, and the step up in difficulty and competition is pretty large for university. I went through it myself (I came from a small country high school where I was at the top of my class without having to study much), and after a disappointing first semester, I buckled down and studied a lot more (and better), and improved my grades and understanding significantly.

Have a look at our Academic Advising forum for more discussions about initial difficulties when starting university. Enjoy PF!

 

[cosmicvoid]

Do you have any studying tips? I have unresolved mental issues, do you think it's necessary to go to a therapist/psychiatrist to survive university? also where can I find the academic advising forum discussions? Thanks for the welcome Berkeman, let me know if this forum also have a discord server or something like that =)

 

[berkeman]

The Academic Advising forum is in the Science Education section of PF:

https://www.physicsforums.com/forums/stem-academic-advising.139/

I have unresolved mental issues, do you think it's necessary to go to a therapist/psychiatrist to survive university?

I think it would help. There can be medications and special study techniques that can help various health issues.

As for study tips, have a look in that Academic Advising forum -- there are some great PF Education Advisors and others who have many useful tips that they have mentioned in the threads. If you don't see what you need already in there, go ahead and start a new thread with your questions.

 

[TensorCalculus]

Agreed with @berkeman on... well... everything.

Definitely post in the Academic advising forums: trust me it's helpful.