By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was set to commence my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year that was rich with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable experiences! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening aspects of starting university, and if you’re contemplating enrollment, it could be a significant worry for you. On the inaugural day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the commencement of classes, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to venture out and engage with others. Today, I can affirmatively say I’ve formed some of the best friendships ever during my time at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all by initiating brief conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I realize? I grasped that taking a leap of faith at the start of the year is most beneficial. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, that’s okay! There will be numerous ice-breakers and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals at the university and across the course, you’re sure to find those who align with you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a challenging environment can take a toll on your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel less capable. What aided me was the realization that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you struggle with something, it’s likely that others do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Look for support from peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They are understanding and maintain ongoing communication with us about our challenges throughout the academic year. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which proved invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support services provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and has shown me how to enjoy my time even in the face of stressors such as exams and deadlines.