Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was preparing to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Jumping into the deep end wasn’t something my previously shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past year, I see a time rich with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was establishing friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester kicking off, I spent the whole day hiding in my room since I felt too intimidated to emerge and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships of my life, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of small talk with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always wise to take a leap at the start of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also understood that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to tackle was the workload and the intensity of the content. There was indeed a significant increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even more considerable leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into an environment like that can often shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re puzzled by something, I can almost assure you that there are others who are equally perplexed. So, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial skill to develop in your first year. Reach out for support from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely wish for you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students’ struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is an exceedingly valuable endeavor. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to seize the opportunities for help being offered. You can never acquire too much!
In broad terms, this year has illustrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be eased with the diverse support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find joy amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.