Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my housing, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, I can affirm that I’ve formed some wonderful friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all through casual conversations with peers in similar predicaments. So, what did I realize? It’s important to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to facilitate connections with others. Additionally, be true to yourself. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge involved the academic workload and complexity of the content. There was undeniably an increase from A-level studies, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a demanding environment can impact your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. What assisted me was the reminder that everyone faces the same challenges. If you don’t comprehend something, it’s likely that others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson from the first year. Reach out for support from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication with us about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral resources until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish connections with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to interact with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to benefit from the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings surrounding university are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and has taught me how to have fun amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.