Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about 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 previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and exhilaration! But what insights has this year brought, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you find yourself here as a potential student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I remained in my room the entire day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Yet today, I can with assurance claim I’ve formed some of the finest friendships at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what have I gleaned? I discovered that taking a risk at the start of the year is invariably rewarding. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be abundant opportunities for breaking the ice and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody anything, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was juggling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a rise from A-levels, and in several respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be daunting for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel subpar. A few strategies aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you there are others who do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I did take one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main lesson regarding this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support provided. You can never have an excess!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated by the variety of support available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and taught me how to have fun despite stressors like exams and deadlines.