Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back at the past academic year, I see a path of self-discovery, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term kicking off, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet people. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had 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 circumstances. So, what have I gleaned? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always the best course of action. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re bound to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the challenges presented by the content. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be tough on one’s self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same boat. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to our situations and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking chances earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has made me realize that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.