Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most challenging hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more fearsome aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it could be a significant concern for you. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days prior to the term kicking off, I spent the entire day hidden in my room because I was too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever encountered here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse group of people in the course and university, you’re sure to connect with like-minded individuals.
Another challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undeniably a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things aided me through that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Ask for assistance from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking chances earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role permitted me to become acquainted with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to engage with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be diminished through the various support systems available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to enjoy myself amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.