By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my once timid and quiet self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year given me, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most overwhelming challenges was forming friendships. This can be one of the most intimidating aspects of starting university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it might be one of your major concerns. On my first day of moving into accommodation, just days before the term began, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I gladly affirm that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I discover? I discovered that it’s wise to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling ready or relaxed, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to aid in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be genuine. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find others like yourself.
Another obstacle was the intensity and complexity of the workload. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being tossed into such an environment can be a challenge for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is dealing with similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t either. So, reach out for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They truly want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They sympathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I took one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is highly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best steps you can take for your own advantage! My key takeaway from this area of university is to make the most of the support you receive. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be lessened by the various support avenues available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amid stressors like exams and deadlines.