Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student, it might be a major concern. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester started, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too hesitant to venture out and introduce myself. Sitting here today, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the most incredible friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always best to take a risk early in the year. If you’re not quite prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is vital. With such a variety of people in the program and university, you’re sure to find like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can test your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone shares the same experiences. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are facing similar struggles. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter challenges. They connect with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I spoke earlier about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to engage with the faculty members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.