Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes commencing, I spent the entire day retreating in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, I can now proudly affirm that I’ve made some of the most wonderful friends here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is crucial. With such a wide array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly an increase in difficulty from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being placed in such an environment can shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel underqualified. A few strategies helped me navigate this sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial capability to cultivate in your first year. Look for support from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students confront. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the support available. You can never receive too much aid!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased by the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and taught me how to find enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.