Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainties about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing 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, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This often stands as one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day in my room, too afraid to step out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I grasp? I understood that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in engaging with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With such a diverse group of people across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the heavy workload and the challenging content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be daunting for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me to overcome that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who are also struggling. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek assistance from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build relationships with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support avenues available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and taught me how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.