Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about the path ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved persona was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a ton of enjoyment! But what lessons have I taken from this year, and what is my status now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This definitely ranks among the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as a prospective student, it may be your greatest concern. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room as I was too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, however, I can affirm that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this course. I have created a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in small conversations with individuals in similar positions. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, be authentic. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some regards, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes be daunting for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in navigating that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear to you, I can almost guarantee that there are at least a few others who are equally puzzled. Therefore, ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial skill to acquire in your first year. Seek help from your comrades and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t truly take advantage of pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged sooner. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be mitigated through the extensive support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It’s demonstrated to me that I’m never alone, and it’s shown me how to relish my experiences alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.