Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was something my formerly shy and reserved self was not used to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I taken away from this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as someone considering enrollment, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days before the term started, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too frightened to venture out and interact with anyone. However, sitting here now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both within this university and this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with a bit of casual conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I’ve learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not fully prepared or at ease, don’t worry! There will be numerous ice-breaker occasions and events available to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a variety of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to encounter those with similar interests.
Another challenge was managing the workload and difficulty of the material. There was certainly an increase in intensity compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone faces similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial piece of advice to take away from the first year. Ask for support from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, and I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances earlier—I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the help available. You can never access too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased by the extensive support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to enjoy myself amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.