Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about what the future held. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking components of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a primary worry. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the semester starting, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and interact with others. Today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships at university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others experiencing similar situations. So, what did I learn? Taking a chance at the beginning of the year is advisable. If you’re not prepared, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist in connecting with others. Also, remain authentic. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to meet like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was a marked increase from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you may feel inferior in comparison to your peers. What aided me was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, chances are others are in the same predicament. Therefore, seek help. This is possibly the most vital lesson of the first year. Reach out for support from both peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the challenges students endure. They show empathy and maintain regular communication with us regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had accessed it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish connections with staff, which is priceless. There are numerous avenues to interact with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year illustrated to me that anxious feelings concerning university are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support provided by faculty and fellow students. It taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.