Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a time of personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment! So, what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I faced was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university ranks among the more intimidating ones, and if you’re exploring this as a prospective student, it may be your primary concern. On moving day, a few days prior to the semester’s commencement, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the most incredible friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in the same boat. So, what did I grasp? I learned that taking a leap at the start of the year is crucial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate your engagement with fellow students. Additionally, I discovered that above all, you should be yourself. With the diverse range of people within the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
A further challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in many respects, an even steeper transition from the initial term to the subsequent one. Being immersed in such an atmosphere can test your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel like you’re falling behind. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one of which was the realization that everyone shares similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others feel the same way. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be one of the most vital lessons to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in the Materials department are fantastic. They are invested in your success and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I only fully accessed the pastoral support toward the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role helped me connect with faculty members, which holds immense value. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your well-being! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. It’s a resource you can never have in excess!
In a broader context, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support resources offered by faculty and peers. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to have fun alongside sources of stress like examinations and deadlines.