Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, 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 formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most formidable challenges I encountered was making friends. This surely ranks as one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an upcoming student perusing this, it may be one of your top worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Yet, as I sit here today, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this course. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all began with casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what have I learned? I’ve come to realize that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities to break the ice and events designed to facilitate connections. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge involved managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can take a toll on your self-esteem; watching others study might make you feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the single most important lesson to learn in the first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are fully aware of the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and engage in continuous communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps—I indeed took one at the beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this experience is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently misplaced and can be mitigated through the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.