Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed 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 newcomer. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of joy! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my position now?
One of the first and most intimidating tasks was making connections. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might top your list of worries. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too scared to emerge and meet new people. Today, however, I can affirmatively say that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I found that taking a plunge at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to help you engage with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a 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 a blow to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who feel the same. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and keep consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. As I mentioned about taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly advantageous. There are numerous avenues to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s definitely one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to embrace the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the vast support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone and how to find enjoyment amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.