Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain regarding the future. I was on the verge of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the year, I recognize it has been one of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was establishing friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your main concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with light conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not feeling quite prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be many ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s to be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
An additional obstacle was the workload and complexity of the content. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies assisted me in coping with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who are also in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This may be the most critical lesson to learn in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did make one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always irrational and can be eased with the abundant support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.