Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, 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. Diving into the unknown was not something my former shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this experience, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the entire time hiding in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can confidently state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some light conversation with fellow students in similar situations. So, what did I gain? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared or uncomfortable, don’t fret! There will be plenty of social events to help you connect with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re certain to find individuals with similar mindsets.
Another obstacle was coping with the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was indeed a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be difficult for your self-esteem; you may observe peers studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me through this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that others are in the same position. So, ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and provide consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I ventured one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. There’s no such thing as too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the plethora of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.