Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant in personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my position now?
One of the first and most daunting obstacles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of starting university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the full day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that making a bold move at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not feeling entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With a multitude of different people across the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable elevation compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper transition from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel lacking. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you there are others who are also confused. So, seek assistance. This could be the single most crucial lesson to glean in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I referred to taking leaps before – I did make one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the various support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never solitary, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.