Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may well be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day staying in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here now, I can assure you I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with simple conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I’ve learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate your connection with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the program and university, you’re bound to find those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me during that period, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also don’t. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the single most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are extraordinary. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned before about taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the numerous support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to relish my time despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.