Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future as I prepared to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was far from what my prior shy self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment. So, what lessons have I learned this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This can be overwhelming when commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it may be a pressing worry. On my initial day of moving into my residence, days before the semester started, I remained isolated in my room, too scared to go out and socialize. Now, I can proudly say that I have formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in the same boat. What did I discover? It’s best to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, that’s okay! There are numerous ice-breaking activities to help you connect with peers. Also, don’t forget to be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals at the university, you are sure to encounter those like you.
Another hurdle was managing the heavy workload and the complexity of the content. There was a significant increase from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a context can undermine your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was recalling that everyone is experiencing the same circumstances. If you’re having difficulty grasping something, others are likely struggling too. So, seek assistance. This is arguably the most vital lesson for the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to excel and comprehend the difficulties faced by students. They resonate with our struggles and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully capitalize on the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty, which is priceless. There are numerous avenues to get to know faculty, and it is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety concerning university are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support provided by staff and peers. I’ve realized that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.