Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly one year prior, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not an experience my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year marked by personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be your top concern. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too frightened to step out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the closest friendships of my life, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was some casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse group of people in the course and the university, you will undoubtedly encounter others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can shake your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel insufficient. A few elements aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the awareness that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something confusing, I can nearly assure you that others do too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for support from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They truly want you to prosper and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and keep in regular contact with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, though I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did embark on one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to seize the opportunity for help that is available. You can never have an excess of support!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated, and it has illustrated how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.