Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty 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 unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I perceive a journey of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to exit and meet people. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all of which commenced with casual conversations with peers in similar situations. What have I learned? It’s advisable to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities will arise to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and difficulty of the material. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A couple of factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you that others are struggling with it too. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build relationships with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous methods to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone and has taught me how to have fun amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.