Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, afraid, 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. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I see a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most daunting hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day cocooned in my room due to feeling too daunted to go out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, however, I can confidently affirm that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this course. I’ve developed a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with people in similar situations as mine. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be genuine. There are so many diverse individuals in the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in many ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel as though you’re inadequate. Several aspects helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is in a similar situation as you. If you struggle to grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also don’t understand. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial skill to acquire in the first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t effectively utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. Holding this position allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance being offered. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated by the multitude of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has guided me on how to enjoy myself alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.