Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was feeling anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead as I got ready to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, challenges, and an abundance of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be your greatest worry. On the day I moved into my residence, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. However, as I sit here now, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was striking up small conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel completely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and activities designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, make it be yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter individuals like yourself.
Another obstacle was handling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might notice others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me tackle that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same experience. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost promise that there are others who are puzzled as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with our struggles and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I’d done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are ample opportunities to build relationships with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key lesson from this area of university life is to fully leverage the assistance being offered. You can never have too much help!
Overall, this year has instructed me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always misguided and can be eased by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment amidst stresses such as exams and deadlines.