Francesca Manyonyi is in her third year at Imperial College London, studying in the Department of Materials. In this blog post, she shares her advice to our new first-year students, including five things she wishes she had known in her first year.
I’m now in my third year in the Department of Materials. Looking back, there are five things I would have told myself when I first joined if I had the chance – so I’m sharing these to let you have a head-start!
1. Make a plan and attend in-person classes
Studying can be fast-paced, so I’d recommend making a plan and an approach to studying. I’d recommend prioritising attending in-person lectures and being present at all workshops. Yes, lecture recordings are available online, but attending a lecture in person is invaluable as you can interact with the professor and your fellow students. Workshops are also a good opportunity to clarify any points of misunderstanding in a low-pressure environment. In my experience, they make the biggest difference in performance.
As for revision, each person can benefit from different strategies, and part of the purpose of the first year is discovering what works for you. My study methods have greatly evolved since the first term. The key is to remain consistent. Whatever your study method, make sure to maintain your efforts, and be quick to get back on track whenever you take a break from your routine.
2. Make use of the wide range of resources available
While revision at university is self-driven, there are many resources available to help with studying.
There is academic support in the form of office hours with lecturers, and tutorial sessions with Professors and GTAs. Our Department also organises ‘Materials families’ – which are networks between first years and the year above, where academic support is exchanged.
There are about 120 students per year in the Department of Materials, therefore the informal infrastructure for academic support is very useful. I can’t count the number of times I’ve reached out to a GTA or someone in an upper year for guidance, and these interactions have been instrumental in securing my academic success.
We also have our own Student Wellbeing Advisor, Olly Swanton, who is available to support your mental health. Olly is also our Departmental Disability Officer and can support you if you need help or advice in this area.
3. Believe in yourself
A degree at Imperial College London is an accomplishment. That’s part of what makes it so valuable. But it’s important to remember that while you may have inevitable challenges, you are capable.
4. Don’t Be Afraid
It’s normal to feel intimidated when in a new environment, but never let that intimidation discourage you from doing what you enjoy and taking advantage of the opportunities available to you.
Being in your first year is a time to acclimatise at your pace and find your footing, but that can coexist with putting yourself out there. I’ve always been a reserved person but I applied to be a member of the Equality, Diversity and Culture Committee, and I was selected. I also applied to be a student ambassador, and I was selected. I ran for office in the Materials Society – and I was selected! In fact, the 2023-24 president of the Materials Society ran and won in his first year as well.
Do not be afraid to explore. Join any society that slightly interests you; run for any position you would enjoy, even if it feels unattainable. Reach for as many opportunities as you can. The ones that don’t work out, you won’t remember – let alone anyone else – and the ones that do will be so worth it.
5. Have Fun!
STEM courses, especially engineering degrees, are often very demanding and can seem all-consuming. However, the university is not just about academics – the best thing I’ve gained from my time at Imperial is the memories. I’ve made some of the best friendships of my life, and I’ve had the chance to enjoy so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences living independently in London.
A degree is meant to be pursued alongside other enjoyments of life, and university not only teaches academics but also the invaluable skill of balancing career pursuits with a rich and full life. Your time at Imperial will be memorable and I wish you all the best!