Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be among your greatest worries. On my first day of settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all commencing with casual conversations with people in the same circumstances. So, what have I learned? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breakers and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university; you’re certain to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge involved handling the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can impact your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also do not grasp it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Request help from your fellow students and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had accessed it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to engage with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to utilize the support being offered to you. You can never have an excess!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are frequently groundless and can be mitigated by the various support structures available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.