By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 a situation my formerly shy and introverted self was equipped to handle. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year offered, and where do I currently stand?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are a future student reading this, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve cultivated some of the best friendships here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, initiated by casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a risk at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, do not fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With a plethora of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who truly connect with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some manners, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are also having difficulties. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the obstacles students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to build rapport with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My principal takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has revealed that I’m never alone and has taught me how to relish my experiences even alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.