Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt nervous and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Entering the unfamiliar was not something my previously reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the year, I recognize it as a time rich in personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what insights has this year offered me, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is commonly one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it may be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assert with confidence that I have cultivated some incredible friendships here at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversation with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? It is beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous icebreaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Moreover, if you can embody one quality, be genuine. With a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the subject matter. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others do too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and faculty for help!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They are genuinely invested in your success and understand the difficulties that students encounter. They express empathy towards us and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it is one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson is to leverage the assistance provided. You can never receive too much support!
In conclusion, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and throughout university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated by the available support from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and taught me to enjoy my experience despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.