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I'm Struggling With Assignments

Feeling overwhelmed with assignments is common and you're not alone. Taking action early makes a huge difference. These steps will help you prioritize, access support, and get back on track.

⏱ī¸Time: 30 minutes
AcademicWellnessResources

✓What to Do Now

1

Assess the situation honestly

List all assignments, deadlines, and how much of each you've completed. Be realistic.

2

Contact your professors ASAP

Email each professor explaining your situation and asking for guidance or extensions. Most are understanding if you reach out early.

3

Prioritize by deadline and importance

Create a simple list: what's due first, what's worth the most points, what you can actually complete.

4

Use campus academic support services

Schedule tutoring, writing center appointments, or study groups immediately.

5

Break work into small chunks

Instead of 'write essay,' try 'write introduction (30 min)' or 'read chapter 3 (20 min).'

6

Consider reducing course load

If you're consistently overwhelmed, talk to an advisor about dropping a course or taking incompletes where appropriate.

7

Take care of your basic needs

Sleep, food, and breaks are essential for learning. You can't do good work if you're exhausted.

📞Who to Contact

Your Professors

📋 Contact: Email through course portal
When: First step - ask for extensions, clarification, or help understanding material

Academic Advisor

📱 Phone: Your advisor's contact
When: To discuss course load, withdrawal options, or academic planning

Writing Center / Tutoring Center

📱 Phone: Your campus tutoring services
When: For help with assignments and understanding course material

Student Success Office

📱 Phone: Your campus student success contact
When: For study strategies, time management, and academic coaching

Counseling Services

📱 Phone: Your campus counseling center
When: If stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues are affecting your work

🚩Red Flags

  • ⚠ī¸Missing multiple assignments without contacting professors
  • ⚠ī¸Feeling too ashamed to ask for help
  • ⚠ī¸Pulling all-nighters regularly
  • ⚠ī¸Skipping classes to catch up on work
  • ⚠ī¸Physical symptoms: headaches, constant fatigue, trouble sleeping
  • ⚠ī¸Panic attacks or severe anxiety about schoolwork
  • ⚠ī¸Submitting rushed, poor-quality work just to turn something in
  • ⚠ī¸Isolating yourself from friends and activities
  • ⚠ī¸Considering giving up on school entirely

📝Templates

Click "Copy" to copy any template to your clipboard, then paste and customize it.

Email to Professor Requesting Extension

Subject: Request for Extension on [ASSIGNMENT NAME] Dear Professor [NAME], I am writing to respectfully request an extension on [ASSIGNMENT NAME], originally due on [DATE]. I am currently facing [BRIEF EXPLANATION - e.g., 'personal challenges' or 'having difficulty understanding the material' or 'overwhelmed with multiple deadlines']. I have made progress on the assignment [DETAILS OF PROGRESS], but need additional time to complete it to my standards. I would appreciate an extension until [PROPOSED DATE]. I am also available to discuss this further if you would prefer. Thank you for your understanding. Best regards, [YOUR NAME] [STUDENT ID] [COURSE NAME/SECTION]

Email to Academic Advisor

Subject: Meeting Request - Struggling with Coursework Dear [ADVISOR NAME], I am reaching out because I am struggling to keep up with my coursework this semester. I would like to schedule a meeting to discuss: - My current course load and whether it's appropriate - Options for managing workload (drops, incompletes, etc.) - Resources for academic support - Strategies for improvement I am available [GIVE TIMES]. Please let me know what works for you. Thank you, [YOUR NAME] [STUDENT ID]

Priority List Template

Assignment Priority List: URGENT (Due this week): 1. [ASSIGNMENT] - Due [DATE] - Worth [POINTS]% - Status: [% DONE] 2. [ASSIGNMENT] - Due [DATE] - Worth [POINTS]% - Status: [% DONE] IMPORTANT (Due next week): 1. [ASSIGNMENT] - Due [DATE] - Worth [POINTS]% - Status: [% DONE] CAN WAIT (Due later): 1. [ASSIGNMENT] - Due [DATE] - Worth [POINTS]% - Status: [% DONE] ACTION ITEMS: - [ ] Contact Professor [NAME] about [ASSIGNMENT] - [ ] Schedule tutoring for [SUBJECT] - [ ] Visit writing center for [ASSIGNMENT]

🎓Watch / Learn

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Time Management for Students

Effective strategies for managing coursework and deadlines

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How to Email Professors

Professional communication tips