Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey filled with academic development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your major worries. On the day of my move-in a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated with casual conversations with fellow students in similar circumstances. So, what did I come away with? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people akin to you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be a challenge for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me overcome that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same waters. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly guarantee that several others share the same confusion. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial skill to develop in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to our struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully embrace the support available until late in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to leverage the assistance that is being provided to you. There’s no such thing as too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never isolated, and it’s taught me how to enjoy myself despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.