Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. For someone who had always been shy and reserved, diving into the deep end was not my usual style. Now, looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re considering enrolling, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day at my accommodation, just a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too scared to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships during my time at university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this experience? It’s crucial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not completely ready or at ease, don’t stress! There are numerous ice-breaker events designed to help you connect with others. Additionally, if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a wide range of diverse individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find others like you.
Another major challenge was navigating the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can test your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar struggles. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can nearly assure you that others are experiencing the same. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards us and keep an open line of communication regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support options provided by faculty and classmates. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.