Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainties about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known at this university and within this course. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always advantageous to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was balancing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a definite transition from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can test your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me navigate this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who feel the same. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy towards students and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our worries. I didn’t fully utilize the emotional support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much help!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the variety of support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never isolated and has shown me how to enjoy myself alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.