The first year of uni is full of excitement with new people, new freedom and a shiny new Student ID. But by second year? The novelty can wear off. Assignments pile up, your routine settles and it can all start to feel a little… flat.
It’s completely normal to hit a mid-degree slump. The good news? You can shake it off with a few small changes that can help bring back your spark.
1. Switch things up
If every day feels the same, change your routine. Study somewhere new, try a different café on campus or switch up your study playlist. Sometimes a simple change of scenery, like moving from the library to Henderson Court, can make a big difference.
You don’t realise how accustomed you have become to a routine until you actively begin changing and challenging it. You might have formed habits that don’t serve you and are just continuing them because ‘that’s just what you’re used to’. Simple things like changing from studying at uni vs at home, morning vs afternoon, writing by hand vs typing are all little switch ups that may help you find a new routine that works better for you!
2. Reconnect with your “why”
Remember why you started your degree in the first place. Maybe you wanted to make a difference, work in a specific field or explore your passion. Revisit those goals and think about how your current units connect to your future. If you’re unsure where you’re heading, chat with the Curtin Careers team, they can help you realign your studies with your ambitions.
3. Find your people again
With each year at uni, social circles can drift as schedules change. Make the effort to reconnect with old classmates or meet new ones. Making friends through groups like Guild clubs and Curtin Volunteers!, will allow you to meet people who enjoy the same things you do. Building community keeps uni fun and reminds you that you’re not in it alone.
4. Set smaller goals
Long degrees can feel endless, so break things down into short-term wins. Set weekly or monthly goals, like finishing an assignment early, attending a workshop, or joining a new club. Celebrate those small achievements; they keep your momentum going.
5. Take care of your wellbeing
Feeling unmotivated can sometimes be a sign you’re burnt out. Make time for rest, exercise, and doing things that make you happy. If you’re feeling low or stuck, reach out to Curtin Psychology and Counselling or the Student Wellbeing Advisory Service. You don’t have to push through alone. You’ve already made it through the hardest part: starting. Every unit you complete brings you closer to your goal. Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come and how much you’ve learned (even if it doesn’t always feel like it).
6. Check in with your degree fit
Sometimes the second-year slump is more than just a lack of motivation, it can be a sign your degree isn’t quite the right match anymore. It’s completely okay for your interests to evolve, and plenty of students realise they want to shift direction once they’ve had a taste of their field. If you’re feeling unsure, start by exploring your options with a Student Success Advisor, or book a Careers Conversation with the team to chat about course pathways, majors or switching degrees. A small change now might set you up for a future that feels a lot more “you.”
The mid-degree slump is real, but temporary. Keep showing up, stay connected, and give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made. Your future self will be glad you pushed through.
