Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester started, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to emerge and interact with others. Now, I can confidently state that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had here at university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be plenty of ice-breaking activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse group of people across the program and university, you are sure to find others like you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was definitely a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. What aided me in overcoming this sensation was the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. 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 faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing dialogue 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 mentioned taking leaps previously – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never receive too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.