Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, 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 previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you are an incoming student reading this, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. However, sitting here now, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, which all began with casual chats with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker occasions and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can impact your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who also don’t. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned before about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance available to you. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often misplaced and can be eased with the numerous support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun while managing the stress of exams and deadlines.