Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I see a path of personal growth, obstacles, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re a future student, it may be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I stayed in my room the whole day, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with some casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. What did I learn? It’s important to take that initial leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or feel uneasy, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. Also, if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a varied group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re likely to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being in this environment can impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What helped me was recognizing that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, it’s probable that others don’t as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson from the first year. Seek guidance from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They empathize and keep open lines of communication with us regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway is to make the most of the resources available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings about university are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the support provided by both staff and fellow students. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.