Ten months back, in October 2022, I was apprehensive, frightened, and unsure of 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 was not something my previously timid and reserved nature 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 primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university is undoubtedly one of the more daunting challenges, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it could be one of your main worries. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day confined to my room because I felt too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. However, sitting here today, I can proudly assert that I’ve found some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of small talk with others in the same situation. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that it’s always best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling entirely ready or at ease, that’s perfectly okay! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that above all, you should be yourself. There are countless different individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to discover people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel like you’re not measuring up. A few strategies helped me cope with those feelings, one being the understanding that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you struggle to grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that there are at least a few others who are equally lost. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for help from both your fellow students and the staff!
That leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly among the best things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have an excess of support!
In broader terms, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be eased by the extensive support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone and has shown me how to enjoy my time while also managing stressors like exams and deadlines.