Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most fearful aspects of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day moving into my housing, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to go out and introduce myself. Today, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with simple dialogues with individuals in similar circumstances. What did I discover? I discovered that taking a risk at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you aren’t completely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that authenticity is essential. With such a wide range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the demands of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What helped me through this was remembering that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you don’t comprehend something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to peers and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and are aware of the difficulties students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done it earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year taught me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support available from staff and fellow students. It taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy despite pressures like exams and deadlines.