1) Get Chegg and use it to check your answers/help you understand how the books want you to think.    2) Manual transmissions are more fun to drive and you have more control over them.  I'm amazed engineering students would give you shit for it.    3) Most of the classes are easier once you get through sophomore year. After statics, dynamics, Physics II, and Calc II it becomes more about applying those principles rather than learning new concepts.    4) If you're only 2 years in, there is a massive shortage of electricians and plumbers right now.  I guarantee they will be equally valuable as engineers 10 years from now.  If I hadn't just finished 7 years of school last May I would be taking a good look at trade jobs.         Good luck, you sound like you are determined to get through this.  You got this dude!