By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking elements of starting university, and if you are a prospective student, it could be a significant worry. On the very first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester beginning, I spent the entire day alone in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? It’s important to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t ready or comfortable, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. Additionally, be true to yourself. With such a diverse group of people at the university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was the demanding workload and the complexity of the content. There was a significant transition from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being in this kind of atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might feel less competent compared to your peers. What helped me was realizing that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you find something confusing, it’s likely that others do too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most essential lesson of the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want to see you succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication regarding our worries. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps before – I did so by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which proves invaluable. There are many avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary lesson is to make the most of the support provided. You can never have too much assistance!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety about university are often baseless and can be alleviated through the support offered by staff and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like examinations and deadlines.