Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unknown was not a situation my formerly introverted and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and heaps of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This element of starting university is undoubtedly one of the more overwhelming concerns, especially for prospective students. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and socialize. Today, though, I can proudly declare that I have forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever encountered, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I realize? I recognized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, fret not! There will be ample opportunities and events designed to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to connect with those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and the challenge of the material. The transition from A-levels was certainly significant, and in some respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even greater. Being thrust into this type of environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and start to doubt yourself. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly guarantee there are others who feel the same. So, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students often face difficulties. They empathize with students and engage in ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build relationships with staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most valuable actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully embrace the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.