Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was establishing friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your foremost worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester beginning, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my course. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I discovered that taking a risk at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you are likely to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a challenging environment can impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few aspects helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support being provided. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.