Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. As a first-year student, I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering. Plunging into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year offered, and what is my current state?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it could be one of your major concerns. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent an entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, though, I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve cultivated a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean? I learned that taking a plunge at the commencement of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, it’s to be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you are bound to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable upgrade from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always easy for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less competent. A few things assisted me through that emotion, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If something doesn’t make sense, I can nearly assure you that others are also puzzled. So, don’t hesitate to seek support. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students can find things challenging. They relate to students and maintain regular 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 tapped into it sooner. I referred earlier to taking leaps – I did take a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly advantageous. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have an excess of help!
On the whole, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are predominantly baseless and can be mitigated through the various support channels offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has demonstrated how to have fun amid stressors like examinations and deadlines.