Authored by Dawson La, Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously introverted 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 has this year bestowed upon me, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often stands out as one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be your main concern. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too anxious to step outside and interact with others. Today, I can proudly say that I have cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known, both at this university and within my course. I have found a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that making an effort at the start of the year is essential. If you’re not ready or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for icebreakers and events to help you mingle with others. I also discovered the importance of being genuine. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, there are bound to be those who connect with you.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a progression from A-levels, and in many respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can strain your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our worries. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to build relationships with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your well-being! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated through the many support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.