The price of a First: Edinburgh students speak on academic pressure

For many students at the University of Edinburgh, academic success isn’t just a goal, it’s an expectation. The pressure to secure a First, the highest classification in the UK grading system, weighs heavily on students across disciplines, often blurring the line between ambition and well-being. We asked Edinburgh students about their experiences, and the results paint a stark picture of the cost of academic excellence.

The Pressure to Achieve

When asked “Do you feel pressure to aim for a First?”, an overwhelming 75 per cent of students answered yes. One student reflected on how this pressure is exacerbated by faculty expectations, saying: “Yes, especially since a lot of tutors and lecturers often emphasise how competitive my field of study is.” The message is clear. Excellence isn’t just encouraged; it’s demanded.

But what happens when students have to choose between top grades and actually enjoying their degree? When asked: “Would you rather get a First or actually enjoy your degree?”, 69 per cent of students admitted they would prioritise the First. One respondent put it plainly: “Ideally I’d like to enjoy my degree, but at this point such enjoyment seems kind of conditioned by achieving top results.”

The Toll of Academic Pressure

For some, the pressure manifests in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. One student admitted: “Sometimes I get into phases where I don’t leave the house for days.” Others described physical symptoms, saying they suffer from “anxiety that manifests itself in nausea towards food, then starvation.”

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A common sentiment among students was the feeling that their university experience had been reduced to ticking boxes rather than genuine learning. “Not having much of a learning experience, I am just trying to meet the marking criteria,” one student shared. Another echoed this sentiment, saying they focus on “doing things quickly, rather than thoroughly.”

For some, the weight of expectations has been crushing: “The stress of getting a First has probably made me the unhappiest I’ve been in years.” Others have had to accept that achieving top marks may not be realistic due to a lack of institutional support: “I think I have had to accept that it is likely I will not get a First, there was not enough support.”

Is It Worth It?

Despite the overwhelming narrative of stress, some students continue to embrace the challenge, one respondent told The Tab: “Bring it on, I did not sign up for physics because I thought it was gonna be easy, the love is always there.” Yet, even among those who maintain their passion, the broader issue remains: is a university degree meant to be a gauntlet of pressure, or should it foster intellectual and personal growth?

For many, the relentless pursuit of academic perfection has come at a cost with one student saying: “I feel like I don’t have any hobbies and I only focus on my education.” Others have resigned themselves to the realities of an unsustainable workload: “Architecture workload goes crazy, I am not even thinking of getting a First anymore”, one respondent said. The pressure seeps into all aspects of life, affecting sleep, mental health, and even future prospects. One student described developing an “all or nothing mentality,” which now extends beyond academia, shaping their broader outlook on life.

Yet, some find support through university resources that ease the burden with one student saying they are effected severely by the stress but,  are “grateful for solid uni counseling.” For these students, guidance services provide a crucial buffer against the intensity of academic life, helping them navigate challenges while preserving their passion for learning.

Moving Forward

The statistics and testimonies make one thing clear: for many students at Edinburgh, academic pressure is more than just an occasional stressor, it’s an all-consuming force.

While some thrive under this intensity, others are left feeling disillusioned, unfulfilled, and exhausted. University counseling and support services play a crucial role in helping students navigate these challenges, but they can only do so much within a system that often prioritises achievement over well-being.

If universities truly want to support their students, addressing the culture of perfectionism and reassessing the emphasis on Firsts as the ultimate measure of success might be a necessary first step. Until then, Edinburgh University students will continue walking the fine line between ambition and well-being, hoping they don’t lose themselves in the process.