Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into uncharted territory was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Now reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period rich with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant source of anxiety. On my first day of moving into my dorm, just days before classes started, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and socialize. However, today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all sparked by casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the start of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker activities will be available to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With a myriad of diverse individuals throughout the course and the university, you’re sure to come across people with similar thoughts and interests.
Another challenge I faced was the quantity of work and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can affect your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me cope with this feeling, one being the understanding that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke about taking risks before – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are countless ways to bond with the staff, and this is among the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to seize the opportunities for assistance provided. You can never have an excess!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the resources available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.