Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Diving into the unknown wasn’t something my former shy and introverted self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your significant concerns. On my first day of moving into my dorm, a few days before the semester started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room due to my fear of stepping out and approaching others. Sitting here now, I can confidently assert that I’ve befriended some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met, both in this course and at this university. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals facing similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is usually worthwhile. If you’re feeling slightly unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events will arise to help you bond with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With the variety of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another significant obstacle I needed to navigate was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can sometimes be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and start to feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming this feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find yourself confused about something, I can almost assure you that there are others experiencing the same struggle. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to master in your first year. Ask for help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year concerning our experiences. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps at the beginning; I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role gave me the chance to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the wide range of support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never alone, and I’ve discovered how to enjoy my experiences alongside stressors like examinations and deadlines.