Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not familiar territory for my previously timid self. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period of personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what have I gleaned from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening aspects of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day inside my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Now, I can say with confidence that I’ve forged some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with others in like situations. So, what did I discover? I realized it’s beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also found that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the program and university, you’ll certainly encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle I faced was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a transition from A-levels, and it was even more pronounced from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few things assisted me during this time, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar challenges. If you struggle to grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others do too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They relate to our experiences and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully embrace the pastoral assistance until late in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke about taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to establish connections with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the support available from faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never alone and taught me how to find joy amid stressors like exams and deadlines.