Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I see a path of personal growth, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking elements of starting university, and if you are a potential student reading this, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever encountered at this university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few elements aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you find something puzzling, I can nearly guarantee there are others who are equally struggling. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek guidance from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff within Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for you to thrive and recognize that students encounter challenges. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned previously about taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the assistance being provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the abundant support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never truly alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment in myself despite pressures like exams and deadlines.