Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what was coming. I was on the brink of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in such a new situation was definitely not something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gleaned from this experience, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before classes began, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room because I was too daunted by the thought of stepping out to greet people. However, sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all started with exchanging a few casual words with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, fret not! There will be ample ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you can embody one trait, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals at the university and within the course, you’re bound to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge I had to overcome was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a notable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, 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 may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me tackle that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone shares your experience. If you find something challenging, I can almost guarantee there are at least several others who face the same difficulty. So, asking for assistance is crucial. This may be the most vital lesson to adopt in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want to see you succeed, and they understand that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support services until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. As I mentioned earlier about taking initiatives – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to build relationships with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this particular facet of university life is to leverage the assistance that’s available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has imparted upon me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often irrational and can be alleviated by the various support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and has shown me how to find joy amidst sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.