Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. 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 once shy and reserved nature was used to. Looking back, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This undoubtedly ranks among the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be a key concern for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, mere days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too anxious to step out and introduce myself to fellow students. Today, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all thanks to casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breakers and events designed to help you connect with others. I’ve also discovered that if you can embody one trait, let it be authenticity. With such a wide variety of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the difficulty of the subject matter. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might see peers studying and feel insufficient. Several strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most important lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They are compassionate towards students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the support system until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the smartest moves you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make use of the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the many support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone and how to have fun while navigating stressors like exams and deadlines.