[venom0706]

I am 22 and just started a BA Marketing degree in a UK university. I am from Bulgaria.

It's currently the introduction week and I just saw my modules. I have so many things to do, so many assignments, exams and stuff, that I got really depressed. I am very shy and most of the work will require group work... And I really haven't met anyone yet. Besides, all my 3 modules for the first semester aren't grouped in a single day for each, but are arranged in totally different days, which makes my timetable overly complicated.

And on top of that, I live in another city. Travelling to uni takes 2 hours in one direction. (40 min walking and then 1 hour bus trip, straight to the campus. Without going into details, I will say that I really can't move closer to the uni, at least in the first year, due to certain circumstances. First year will require 4 days a week at the uni (With having Wednesday and Friday off for Semester 1 and Semester 2, respectively.)

I fell like giving up before I have even started. I thought it would be... easier. I wanted a degree in the UK, because my girlfriend graduated here, and we both want to develop our future here. But right now, I really want to give up, before I have started owing the SLC 9,000 pounds. Please, help!

[sezchwarn]

You did the right thing writing in here. I wish I had done that when I was in the same position. I think you just need a pep talk.
As hard as it is, uni is really important and will dictate the rest of your life, so unless you want something to get depressed about for the rest of your life (like me), do not drop out unless you have something else you can replace that sense of achievement with. Trust me on this, I've learnt the hard way.
The work is not the issue, were you healthy you wouldn't even see that as a problem, you'd be looking forward to it.
Travelling 2 hours each way is not an issue. I lived in another city for a year too, which was probably even further away from my uni. I hardly went in that year (like maybe 10 days the whole year). I wouldn't recommend that but I'm just saying it's not the end of the world if you miss lectures. You can work on the train or do something with that two hours.
I didn't really make any good friends for my whole time at uni (mainly because I didn't go in!) but I had a gf like you who I hung around with all the time. You've only just started, so what if you haven't met anyone yet. Not an issue.
The issue is clearly your social anxiety, so make a plan to deal with it and you'll feel better. Do some research on a few cbt therapists, go see them, see who you click with and get a course. It doesn't have to be that expensive, even one or two sessions can change things.
The main point to remember is you are there primarily to get a degree, not to make friends- that's a secondary plan. Don't focus on the secondary plan to the detriment of the primary plan. And for god's sake don't let your anxiety convince you that there is any other reason for you dropping out than your anxiety. Accept the fact you have anxiety, accept the fact that it's gonna be tough emotionally, accept it's gonna take a while to change, know that's ok and common, do something to deal with it and you'll be fine.

If you do end up dropping out, make sure you have another plan lined up (I'd look into other european countries that have fees that are like a 10th of the cost- I'd never study in the uk personally.)

[francisR]

hi Venom

Perhaps you should consider seeing a therapist. A CBT therapist is very good and their method is adapted for dealing with all problems. And getting medication from the Dr. would be helpful also.

Making a list of everything you have to do and allotting sufficient time for each item with adequate breaks in between would leave you feeling less overwhelmed. You could always go to the nearest MIND center where you will get help and they do have free therapy. I hope and pray this improves for you soon. Take care. God bless and best wishes from your friend Francis