Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. 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 reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on it now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be among your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to step out and interact with others. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the best friends here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what have I taken away from this? I learned that it’s advisable to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t quite prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to help you connect with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse personalities throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and its complexity. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can weigh heavily on your self-esteem; you might observe peers studying and feel inadequate. Several factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee others are as well. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to take from the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask your classmates and the staff for help!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges that students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best steps you can take 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 of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.