Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and reserved personality was used to. Now, looking back, I perceive a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the primary and most challenging hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting components of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it could be a major worry. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent an entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and connect with others. Today, I can proudly say I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with engaging in small talk with others in similar predicaments. So, what did I come to understand? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breakers and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that if you can embody one principle, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the level of difficulty of the material. There was unquestionably a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you others are puzzled too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn during the first year. Seek guidance from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with the student body 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, but I wish I had done so earlier. I touched upon taking risks before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the assistance that is available to you. You can never have too much help!
In general, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the multitude of support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to take pleasure in life amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.