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 about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my typically shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the primary and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your major concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and mingle. Nevertheless, I can now proudly declare that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, which all began with a bit of casual conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I learned that taking a leap of faith at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re bound to find like-minded people.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are too. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They are sympathetic to our struggles and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated with the numerous support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.