By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what the future held. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was a challenge for my previously timid and introverted self. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and lots of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodations, just days before classes began, I spent the full day sequestered in my room, too scared to step outside and meet others. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I found that taking the plunge at the year’s start is invariably advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse group of people across the course and university, you are sure to encounter individuals who share your interests.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors assisted me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something confusing, I can nearly assure you others do too. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask your peers and the staff for help!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges that students encounter. They resonate with student experiences and keep open lines of communication throughout the year concerning our issues. 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 earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to become acquainted with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are countless ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never isolated and how to have fun regardless of stressors such as exams and deadlines.