Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your primary worries. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day retreating in my room, too nervous to step out and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can confidently state that I’ve established some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean? I realized that taking a chance 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 ice-breaker events and opportunities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be one thing, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse array of people across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who relate to you.
Another challenge was the amount of work and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always great for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. So, ask for help. This might be the single 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 staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep open lines of communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the help provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated by the various support resources available from the staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never alone and how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.