Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about 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 unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I see a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what has this year imparted to me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room because I was too anxious to step out and meet others. However, reflecting on today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, both here at this university and in this course. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, which all commenced with casual conversations with fellow students in similar circumstances. So, what have I gained from this experience? I discovered that it’s always advisable to take a bold step at the start of the year. If you aren’t prepared or feel uncomfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody anything, be authentic. With a diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you’re likely to discover people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in several ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be a challenge for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me overcome that feeling, one being the realization that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost guarantee there are others who are equally confused. So, seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are extraordinary. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned previously about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance that is available to you. You can never have an excess of support!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the myriad of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to have fun amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.