Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what was to come. I was on the brink of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in such an unfamiliar environment wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting back, I recognize an academic year brimming with personal growth, challenges, and a considerable amount of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted on me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating aspects of entering university, and if you’re perusing this as an aspiring student, it may very well be one of your biggest concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent an entire day sequestered in my room, paralyzed by the thought of venturing out and greeting others. Yet, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and in this program. I have established a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversation with individuals in comparable situations. So, what wisdom did I acquire? I discovered that taking a leap at the onset of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking activities and events will facilitate your interaction with others. I also learned that if you can embody anything, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle I had to navigate was the workload and the complexity of the content. The transition from A-levels was indeed significant, and in some aspects, the leap from the first term to the second was even greater. Being plunged into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me cope with that sensation, one being the understanding that everyone is sharing the same experience. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that there are several others who are also confused. Therefore, seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They are compassionate toward students and maintain continuous communication with us regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. As 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 the staff, which is an immensely beneficial endeavor. There are numerous methods to familiarize yourself with staff members, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this particular segment of university is to capitalize on the support being offered to you. You can never receive too much!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated through the extensive support options provided by the faculty and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never isolated, and I’ve discovered how to have fun in conjunction with stressors such as exams and deadlines.