Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously reserved and bashful self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the early and most intimidating challenges I encountered was reaching out to make friends. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day confined in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself. As I sit here today, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had, here at this institution and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s always advisable to take the plunge at the year’s outset. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re bound to discover others who resonate with you.
Another hurdle I faced was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate those feelings, one being the comforting reminder that everyone shares this journey. If you find something challenging, I can almost assure you there are at least a few others who are grappling with the same issue. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This could be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Seek assistance from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are truly exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps—I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the various support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find joy even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.