Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was something my formerly timid and reserved nature was not accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it might be your primary worry. On moving-in day, a few days before classes began, I spent the entirety of my time in my room, too daunted to go out and interact with others. Today, I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had during my time at university and in my degree program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re destined to find others like you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can test your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several things aided me in overcoming this, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you find something challenging, I can almost assure you that others do too. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for support from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to flourish and are aware of students’ challenges. They empathize with us and consistently communicate throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I embraced one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to become acquainted with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illuminated the fact that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources available from faculty and peers. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment despite challenges like exams and deadlines.