Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what was to come. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown wasn’t exactly what my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting on this past academic year, I recognize it was filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was the task of forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be at the forefront of your concerns. On my first day of moving into my housing, just days before the semester began, I spent a whole day sequestered in my room because I felt overwhelmed at the thought of venturing out to greet others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly affirm that I’ve formed some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I have found a second family at Imperial, and all it required was initiating casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what lesson did I take away? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events that will facilitate your interaction with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. There is a diverse array of people throughout the course and university; you are sure to connect with those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I had to overcome was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and question your own competence. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one of which was the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same challenges as you. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that a number of others are in the same situation. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support system until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. Holding this role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is an invaluable experience. There are numerous avenues to interact with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this specific facet of university life is to capitalize on the assistance being offered. You can never have too much support!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated by the wide range of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to have fun even amid stresses like exams and deadlines.