Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and skepticism about what lay ahead. As a first-year student, I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not a scenario my formerly shy and introverted self was prepared for. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the primary and most intimidating obstacles was establishing friendships. This aspect of commencing university is undeniably one of the more fearsome challenges, and if you are an incoming student reading this, it may be among your greatest worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, too daunted to step out and meet new people. However, today, I can affirmatively state that I have formed some of the best friendships I could have hoped for, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar predicaments. So, what did I uncover? I found that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the start of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, that’s perfectly fine! There will be plenty of ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be genuine. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. Transitioning from A-levels was a significant adjustment, and in some aspects, the shift from the first term to the second was even more substantial. Being immersed in such a setting isn’t always kind to your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something confusing, I can nearly guarantee other students share that sentiment. Therefore, ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb during your first year. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and are aware of the hurdles students encounter. They resonate with our experiences and ensure ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. As I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This role provided me with the opportunity to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and this is unquestionably one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to seize the assistance that is available to you. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both preceding and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the various support systems offered by both staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone and how to enjoy my time even amidst challenges such as exams and deadlines.