Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not a scenario that my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. In hindsight, I now recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the semester’s commencement, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Nonetheless, today I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and during this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of small talk with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t be concerned! There are numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. Additionally, I realized that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you will undoubtedly come across like-minded people.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can test your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something unclear, I can almost assure you that others are experiencing the same confusion. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask your peers and faculty for help!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and sustain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking risks earlier – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has imparted to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and throughout university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never isolated and how to enjoy myself amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.