Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, afraid, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it could be one of your major worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester started, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room because I found it too daunting to step out and introduce myself to others. Nevertheless, sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if you can embody one thing, just be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people like you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. There were several strategies that helped me rise above that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly promise that there are at least a handful of others who also don’t understand. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and realize that students face challenges. They sympathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available to you. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has guided me in learning how to have fun alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.