Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what the future held. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a journey of personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and more intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly among the more daunting parts of embarking on university life, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it could be one of your major worries. On my initial day after moving into my residence, just a few days ahead of classes starting, I ended up spending the whole day cooped up in my room because I felt too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, though, I can assert that I’ve built some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what was my takeaway? I discovered that it’s always wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling ready or comfortable, that’s okay! There will be plenty of ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. Among the diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always straightforward for your self-esteem; seeing others study can make you feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you there are others who are also lost. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial skill to develop in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding and keep in regular contact with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take a leap at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the wisest things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university life is to fully leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much of that!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be minimized with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has demonstrated how to enjoy my experience even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.