By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what was ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Now, looking back, I see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it may be among your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all starting with casual conversations with others facing similar experiences. So, what was my takeaway? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is crucial. If you’re not yet prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to help you connect with fellow students. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals in the program and university, you’re certain to find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the level of workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in many respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a demanding environment can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming this sentiment, one of which was the reminder that everyone is navigating the same waters. If there’s something you don’t comprehend, I can almost assure you that there are others who share that feeling. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and engage in ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referenced taking risks previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to establish rapport with the faculty, which is priceless. There are various ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the diverse support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to have fun regardless of stressors like exams and deadlines.