Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a time rich in personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your top worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day staying in my room because I felt too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with making small talk with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, just be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the course and university; you are bound to encounter people like you.
Another obstacle I encountered was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always kind to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t comprehend something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also do not understand. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year concerning our issues. I didn’t really make use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s definitely one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased with the numerous support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself alongside sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.