Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect often ranks among the most daunting when starting university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day of moving into my residence, just before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day in my room, feeling too intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, I can now assertively say that I’ve made some of the best friends during my time at university and within my course. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with light conversations with others in similar circumstances. What have I learned? It’s advisable to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready or at ease, that’s perfectly fine! There will be ample ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, be true to yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals in your course and the university, you’re sure to find peers who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear escalation from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in this environment can be taxing on your self-esteem; you might feel inferior compared to your peers. What helped me was the realization that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you find something confusing, chances are others do too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the challenges students endure. They are empathetic and maintain ongoing communication with us about our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the academic year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referenced taking leaps previously – I took one by stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway is to seize the opportunities for assistance. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness before and during university are often unwarranted and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.