Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not a typical experience for my formerly shy self. Looking back now, I realize I’ve had a year filled with personal development, challenges, and fun. What insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This element of commencing university can be daunting, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day moving into my accommodation, I spent the whole day in my room, too frightened to go out and meet others. Now, I can proudly declare that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all starting from casual conversations with fellow students in similar situations. I realized that taking that initial leap at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared, don’t stress—there will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, be true to yourself; among the diverse crowd, you will undoubtedly find people you connect with.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant transition from A-levels and an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can influence your self-esteem, particularly when you compare yourself to your peers. Remember, everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, chances are, it is for others as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This is likely the most crucial lesson from the first year—reach out to both peers and staff for support!
The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They keep us informed about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had made the most of it earlier. I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative, which allowed me to connect with the staff—a valuable opportunity. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself. My key takeaway is to take advantage of the assistance provided—there is no such thing as too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety about university are often misplaced and can be eased with the aid available from staff and peers. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to have a good time despite challenges like exams and deadlines.