Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Stepping into the unknown was not something my formerly reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and fun! What insights has this year provided me, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an upcoming student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I remained in my room the entire day, too frightened to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships at university, particularly in my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. What have I learned? It’s wise to take a chance at the outset of the year. If you’re not prepared, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker activities will assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, be authentic. With such a diverse array of people at the university, you’ll surely encounter like-minded individuals.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and even more from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might feel less capable in comparison to peers. A few factors aided me through this, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re struggling to grasp something, others probably are as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most vital lesson of the first year. Reach out to fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges faced by students. They empathize and maintain dialogue throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps – I did so by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway is to seize the opportunity for assistance offered. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety about university are often baseless and can be mitigated by the support accessible from staff and students. It has illustrated that I’m never alone and has equipped me to find joy even amidst the stress of exams and deadlines.