Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Dipping my toes into the deep end wasn’t something my previously introverted and reserved personality was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and where do I stand today?
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 are reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your major apprehensions. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester kicked off, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this institution and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with engaging in brief conversations with others undergoing similar experiences. So, what insights did I gather? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a bold step at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events to break the ice and help you connect with peers. I also realized that if you can embody anything, be true to yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly an escalation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone shares the same struggles. If something doesn’t click, I can nearly guarantee that several others are in the same position. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t shy away from asking your peers and the faculty for help!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show compassion and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks at the outset; I did so by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support you’re offered. You can never have an excess of help!
In a broader context, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated by the multitude of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment in the midst of stressors like exams and deadlines.