Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was preparing to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was unfamiliar territory for someone who had always been shy and introverted. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently among the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student perusing this, it might be one of your major worries. On the initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester began, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all stemming from casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this experience? I discovered that it’s crucial to take that leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can impact your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and start feeling inadequate. A few strategies aided me in navigating that sentiment, one being the recognition that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you there are others who feel the same way. Therefore, seek assistance. This could very well be the most critical lesson of the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty within Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and acknowledge that students face challenges. They are understanding and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. As I mentioned, taking leaps earlier in the year worked well for me when I became a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to interact with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the available support. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased through the resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never solitary and how to find enjoyment alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.