Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months prior, I was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was far from the norm for my previously shy and reserved nature. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. However, reflecting on this journey, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the most valuable friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with others in shared circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there’s no need to fret! Numerous ice-breaking chances and events will exist to facilitate connections with others. I also found that the best approach is simply to be yourself. With such a wide variety of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was coping with the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost guarantee that others are equally confused. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out for support from your peers 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 connect with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had engaged earlier. I talked about taking leaps before – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to get acquainted with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to interact with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to maximize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.