Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months prior, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as an incoming student, it could be one of your major worries. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the commencement of term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself to others. Nevertheless, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and in this program. I have found a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversation with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always better to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, that’s okay! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events designed 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 group of people across the course and university, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to conquer was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost guarantee that there are at least a few others who also find it confusing. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps at the beginning; I took one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This role provided me with the opportunity to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully leverage the support being offered to you. There’s no such thing as receiving too much help!
On a broader scale, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are typically misguided and can be eased by the multitude of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to relish my time alongside inevitable stressors like exams and deadlines.