Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overcome with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often represents one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might rank among your top concerns. On my initial day moving into my housing, a few days prior to the beginning of classes, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Today, though, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with some casual conversations with others facing similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that it’s always best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not quite ready or feeling at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s genuine. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find people like yourself.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an increase from A-levels, and in many respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who also find it confusing. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support system until late in the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I previously mentioned taking risks – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance being offered. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the extensive support options available from faculty and peers. It has taught me that I’m never on my own and how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.