Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, scared, and uncertain about what lay ahead. 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 now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more nerve-wracking parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your top concerns. On my initial day moving into my housing, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day hiding in my room because I was too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can firmly state that I’ve built some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I have created a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of small talk with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always better to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel a bit unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. There is such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people like you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly an increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always easy for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me overcome that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation as you. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also don’t get it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students face challenges. They empathize with students and keep constant communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s truly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated with the various support options available from staff and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never alone, and it’s shown me how to have fun alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.