Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overcome with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was the task of forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be among your top worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the beginning of the term, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what lesson did I glean? I learned that taking a leap at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be abundant ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in some ways, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges that students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had made use of it sooner. I spoke about taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role gave me the opportunity to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available. You can never have an excess of help!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.