Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more anxiety-inducing parts of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your foremost worries. On my first day moving into my residence, just days ahead of the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, feeling too daunted to go out and meet others. Today, though, I can proudly claim that I’ve developed some of the best friendships here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all from initiating small talks with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that it’s always beneficial to make that initial leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel quite ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and gatherings to assist you in bonding with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-level studies, and in some respects, an even greater transition from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such an environment can shake your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate through that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone faces the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the available help. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be alleviated with the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has revealed that I am never alone and taught me how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.