Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was just about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved nature was used to. Looking back, I recognize an academic year rich with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered throughout this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most overwhelming challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your foremost worries. On my moving-in day, just ahead of the term, I spent the entire day confined to my room, feeling too anxious to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, however, I can proudly declare that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, all of which started with light conversation with people experiencing similar feelings. So, what have I discovered? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel fully prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be many opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one principle, it’s to be true to yourself. With so many diverse individuals in the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle I faced was the intensity of the workload and the level of difficulty in the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and, in some respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can often undermine your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel as though you fall short. A few strategies helped me combat that sentiment, one of which was the understanding that everyone is navigating similar waters. If something puzzles you, I can virtually guarantee that there are several others who feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from both your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are committed to your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I indeed made one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is an incredibly valuable experience. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it genuinely ranks among the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the resources available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In a broader sense, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both preceding and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated by the numerous support avenues offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am not alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.