By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about my path as I geared up to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not familiar territory for my previously reserved self. Looking back on the academic year, I see a saga of personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of entering university, and if you’re a future student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes commencing, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to step out and meet new people. Now, I can assuredly say I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others sharing similar experiences. What have I taken away? It’s essential to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be a multitude of ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. Also, if you can embrace one thing, be yourself. With the range of diverse individuals across the course and the university, you are sure to find your group.
Another obstacle was the volume and complexity of the workload. The transition from A-levels was significant, and the leap from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. Being in such an environment can unsettle your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What assisted me was the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something unclear, it’s likely that others do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most vital lesson from the first year. Reach out for support from peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They understand and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the academic year’s end, but I wish I had done so sooner. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I embraced one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have an excess of support!
Ultimately, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety about university are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support accessible from both staff and fellow students. I’ve discovered that I’m never alone and how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.