Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not familiar to my previously timid and reserved self. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening facets of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, feeling too daunted to step out and meet others. However, today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at this university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with those in comparable situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also came to realize that being authentic is essential. With such a varied group of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter others who share your mindset.
Another obstacle was dealing with the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was undeniably a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me in overcoming that sensation was the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others are struggling too. So, seek assistance. This may be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They resonate with us and keep lines of communication open throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I spoke earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have too much help!
In conclusion, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support systems available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even when faced with pressures such as exams and deadlines.