Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months ago, I found myself feeling anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what the future held. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Jumping into the unfamiliar wasn’t exactly something my former shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights did I gain, and where do I stand today?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more nerve-wracking aspects of embarking on university life, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your main worries. On my inaugural day settling into my accommodation, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day in my room because I felt too uneasy to step out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it simply required striking up casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I gather from this? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! A wealth of ice-breaker activities and events will be there to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody any trait, be genuine. With so many diverse people around the course and the university; you are sure to find individuals like you.
Another challenge stemmed from the coursework and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some regards, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; it’s easy to observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me move past that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you’re puzzled about something, I can almost guarantee that at least a handful of others are equally confused. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty for support!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students have their struggles. They are sympathetic towards students and keep an open line of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. As I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did make one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me the opportunity to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best steps you can take for your own benefit! My chief takeaway from this segment of university life is to capitalize on the help that is being offered. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has instilled in me the realization that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.