Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and self-doubt regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Dashing into the unknown was not a situation I was familiar with, as my former self was quite shy and reserved. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons have I garnered over this past year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of entering university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be one of your main concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can assert with confidence that I have formed some of the finest friendships I have ever had here at this university and in this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always wise to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one trait, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse population across the program and the university, you are sure to encounter individuals similar to yourself.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the challenge of its content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a competitive setting can take a toll on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me during that period, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something eludes your understanding, I can almost assure you there are others who are equally puzzled. So, seek assistance. This may be the crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and from the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They express empathy towards students and uphold open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had reached out earlier. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I took one at the year’s beginning by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role granted me the opportunity to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous pathways to engage with staff, and this is undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully embrace the support you are provided. There’s no such thing as too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated with the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has illustrated to me that I’m never truly alone and has taught me how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.