Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of fun! So, what have I discovered this year, and what’s my current status?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was making friends. This is certainly one of the more anxiety-inducing parts of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be a primary concern for you. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve made some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I found that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the sheer volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some regards, an even bigger transition from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. Several things assisted me in navigating that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you there are others who are equally puzzled. So, seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication about our challenges throughout the year. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the outset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous opportunities to interact with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway regarding this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the multitude of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.