By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and tremendous enjoyment! What insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This aspect of commencing university is often one of the most daunting, and for prospective students, it may be a significant worry. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself. Today, I proudly say that I have formed some of the best friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. What have I taken away from this? It’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’ll inevitably find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable leap from A-levels, and an even more significant transition from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can put your confidence to the test; you might observe others studying and feel like you’re falling behind. A few strategies helped me navigate this, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you struggle with something, it’s almost certain that others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson from my first year: always reach out for support from your peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the hurdles that students encounter. They show empathy and maintain open lines of communication regarding our challenges. I didn’t take advantage of pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking leaps – I took one by stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the resources available. You’ll never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness about university are frequently misplaced and can be mitigated with the resources provided by faculty and fellow students. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy despite stressors like exams and deadlines.