By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the early and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This tends to be one of the most anxiety-inducing elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On the first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the commencement of classes, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all starting with brief conversations with others in comparable circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take the plunge early in the academic year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events that will assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With an array of diverse individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and complexity of the subject matter. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t comprehend something, it’s almost guaranteed that others don’t either. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp during the first year. Reach out for support from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show compassion towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t 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 before – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are multiple ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to utilize the available assistance. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has imparted to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the numerous support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never isolated and has taught me how to relish my experience alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.