Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding 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 unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I learned this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is definitely one of the scarier parts of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your main concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here now, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I’ve learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to aid in connecting with peers. I also realized that if you can embody anything, just be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals in the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me cope with that sensation, one of which is the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you struggle to grasp something, I can almost assure you there are at least a few others who also don’t comprehend it. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and keep in constant contact with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build relationships with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and this is certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this facet of university life is to seize the help available to you. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are usually baseless and can be mitigated with the wide range of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to savor the experience alongside stress factors such as exams and deadlines.