Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was prepared for. Looking back now, I recognize that this year has been filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of fun! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This aspect of commencing university can be particularly daunting, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your major worries. On my initial day of settling into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, I can now confidently state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced here at university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in alike situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking that initial step at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities and events to help you forge connections. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who share your vibe.
An additional hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed into such a setting can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to take away from your first year. Seek support from your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding and maintain continuous communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about making bold moves – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are numerous avenues to engage with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My main takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy in spite of stressors like exams and deadlines.