Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was unfamiliar territory for my once shy and introverted self. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my position now?
One of the primary and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as a prospective student, it may be one of your foremost worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, starting with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what has this taught me? I’ve realized that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uncomfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. With a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you will surely find others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the demanding workload and complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels was evident, and in certain respects, the transition from the first term to the second was even more significant. Being thrust into such an environment can shake your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me cope with those feelings, one being the reassurance that everyone shares the same experience. If you struggle with understanding something, I can almost assure you that others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to internalize during your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
That leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year addressing our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I made one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to fully utilize the support available to you. There’s no such thing as too much!
In a broader sense, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the many support resources accessible through staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am not alone, and revealed how to find enjoyment even amidst the stressors such as exams and deadlines.