First year NIT calculus linear algebra drowning how to catch up | Student Forum

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I'm in my first semester at NIT Rourkee and honestly feeling completely lost in calculus and linear algebra. The lectures move so fast and I'm scoring 30-40% in assignments. My JEE prep didn't really cover these topics deeply. I'm worried that if I don't catch up now, I'll be stuck in a bad cycle for the entire semester. How did you all manage without completely burning yourself out?

6 Replies

SanaAhmedPan5mo ago

As a professor at an NIT, I see this every year. Students who struggled initially but thrived later did two things: (1) they came to my office hours with *specific* doubts, not vague requests for help, and (2) they stopped cramming and worked steadily. Also, check if your NIT has a math tutoring center — many do. Your CGPA right now doesn't define your engineering journey; consistency does.

JasdeepGillPun5mo ago

First-year burnout is real, especially in engineering. Here's my framework: (1) Identify your actual weak point — is it calculus concepts, problem-solving speed, or exam anxiety? (2) Dedicate 45 min daily to *one* topic, not random problems. (3) Use supplementary resources like 3Blue1Brown's calculus videos or linear algebra videos by Gilbert Strang (MIT OpenCourseWare) — sometimes hearing it differently unlocks understanding. Don't try to cover everything; depth beats breadth in first sem.

VidyaGowdaKar5mo ago

Thanks so much for the replies everyone. This is really helpful. I think I've been trying to memorize formulas instead of understanding them — that's my main issue. I'll try the Gilbert Strang videos and start going to prof's office hours. Fingers crossed this turns around by mid-sems.

RupsaBanerjeeWes5mo ago

What helped me most was forming a study group with 2-3 serious peers. We'd spend 90 minutes three times a week working through problem sets together — not just copying answers, but actually discussing why each step works. My group mate Priya was stronger in linear algebra, I was better at calculus, and Rahul kept us organized. You'll learn faster explaining to someone than reading a textbook alone.

NavjotGillPun5mo ago

Hey, I went through the exact same thing in first sem at NIT Warangal. The key for me was stopping the comparison game — everyone around you looks like they understand everything, but they don't. I started attending office hours with my prof (Dr. Sharma was approachable) and worked through problems from the textbook slowly instead of rushing. Within 4 weeks my mindset shifted from "I'm drowning" to "okay this makes sense if I slow down." Don't aim for 90s right now, just aim for understanding one concept per week properly.

AditiMoreMah5mo ago

My son was in your exact position last year at NIT Allahabad. We were worried sick, but we realized pushing him harder would only stress him out. We told him: focus on understanding, not grades; eat properly; sleep 7 hours. His maths improved significantly in semester 2 once the pressure reduced. Don't let this derail your confidence. Many successful engineers struggled in first sem math.