By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and doubt regarding the future as I got ready to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been full of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what wisdom have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most fearsome elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might rank among your greatest concerns. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day hiding in my room, too anxious to venture out and greet anyone. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with striking up conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events designed to help you meet others. I’ve also learned that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to connect with like-minded people.
Another challenge was the academic demands and complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel out of place. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp a topic, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show compassion and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I made one at the beginning of the year by volunteering as a year well-being representative. This role provided me the opportunity to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university is to utilize the resources available to you. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated through the various support systems accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has demonstrated to me how to find joy in conjunction with stressors such as exams and deadlines.