Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty 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 previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most formidable challenges was the task of making new friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening parts of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student, it may be one of your largest concerns. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too daunted to go out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the greatest friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what did I learn? I discovered that taking a risk right at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter individuals like you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can virtually assure you that others don’t comprehend it either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They want you to thrive and understand the struggles students face. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one early in the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous methods to become acquainted with staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has made it clear to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the myriad of support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.