By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety and doubt regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not familiar territory for my previously timid self. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and a considerable amount of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are a future student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my dorm, just days before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day in my room, feeling too shy to step out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what lesson did I take away? I discovered that taking a risk at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that being authentic is essential. With such a variety of people across the program and the university, you’re sure to find kindred spirits.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a clear leap from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be hard on your self-esteem; you might see your peers studying and feel inferior. What helped me was the realization that everyone is in the same predicament. If you don’t grasp something, chances are others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most essential lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They are empathetic towards students and maintain open lines of communication regarding our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.