Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to begin my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be your greatest worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assuredly say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a step forward at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not yet prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can do one thing, be authentic. With a variety of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find like-minded peers.
Another challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the struggles students face. They show empathy towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the supportive resources until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned embracing new experiences earlier – I did take a leap at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the array of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst stress such as exams and deadlines.