When Learning Gets Tough
When learning gets tough, the tough keep learning. These Conversations@NUMed remind us that it is not unusual to feel challenged along the way. In fact, it can be a healthy part of the journey. See what else is being shared here.
30 March 2026
There are moments that most of us who have been or are currently students recognise; when the lecture ends, the notes blur together, and learning feels harder than it did before. At NUMed, the sheer volume of knowledge that students are tackling can definitely feel overwhelming.
“The most difficult thing about my studies as a second year MBBS student has to be balancing revision and new learning,” admitted Zahra Annika Omar binti Igor Hnatko.
“Many of our modules involve complex biological processes, laboratory techniques, and scientific concepts that require both memorisation and critical thinking. On top of that, we also have lab reports, coursework, and exams happening throughout the semester, so managing time effectively while keeping up with the content can sometimes feel quite challenging,” added Isabel Lai, a Year 2 Biomedical Sciences student.
More often than not, exam season underscores how relentless studying can get as everything that you have learned needs to flow out clearly.
“It becomes more important to develop a fundamental understanding of physiology and anatomy in order to make revision more effective. This understanding needs to be refreshed and supported by new knowledge, and sometimes I find that I need to go back and revise older content as it links to new topics,” said Zahra.
Add looming deadlines and consistent assessments to the mix and things can get intense.
“We are revising large amounts of content while also completing assignments and lab reports. It can definitely feel stressful, but it also pushes me to stay organised and focused,” explained Isabel.
Homesickness adds another layer of difficulty to learning.
“Even though I have come to think of NUMed and my roommates as home and family, there are always memories that I feel I'm missing out on back home,” reflected Zahra.
Amid the pressures of a demanding environment, remembering that you are not alone and keeping a sense of perspective can go a long way.
“We estimate that approximately 20% of students may struggle with coping with their studies at some point during the academic year. And this figure is likely an underestimation,” revealed Dr Arun Kumar Basavaraj, Associate Professor and Dean of Student Support.
What matters most is finding ways to cope. For example, to navigate feeling homesick, Zahra connects often with her family members. For both Zahra and Isabel, music also plays an important role in soothing the soul.
Of course, understanding your own learning style will also help. “I think that the best way is to become more aware of the way you study so that you can support your memory and learning as best as you can,” Zahra continued.
“It may be more constructive to frame academic challenges as part of the learning process. A certain level of healthy stress is essential in higher education. It helps students develop discipline, resilience, and the ability to meet academic expectations. In fact, moderate stress often motivates students to organise their work, push their boundaries, and achieve higher standards,” Dr Arun advised.
Learning gets tough when we forget that it is not meant to be smooth all the time, but these tough moments are often the ones that teach us how to ask better questions, lean on others, and build strength we didn’t know we had.
The hard days may not disappear completely, but it helps to reframe them. Whether you are memorising information or troubleshooting experiments, the shared understanding is this: difficulty isn’t the opposite of learning. More often, it encourages it.
“Don’t struggle in silence… connect, adapt, and rise,” concluded Dr Arun.
