By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about what lay ahead as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not what my formerly reserved self would typically do. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently a major worry for new university students. On my first day in my residence, just before the semester began, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to venture out and socialize. Today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my program. I have found a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar predicaments. What did I discover? Taking a chance at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared, don’t fret—there are numerous ice-breaker activities available to assist you in connecting with others. Moreover, be authentic. With such a diverse population at the university, you’re destined to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable enhancement from A-levels and an even more significant transition from the first to second term. Being in such an atmosphere can influence your self-esteem; you may feel less capable compared to your peers. Remember, everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear, others likely share the same confusion. So, seek assistance. This is possibly the most vital lesson for the first year. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They show understanding and keep open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had embraced it earlier. I mentioned taking chances previously—I took one by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty, which is invaluable. There are countless ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself. My key takeaway is to seize the support that’s offered. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety about university are often baseless and can be eased with the support provided by faculty and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone and how to have fun despite the stress of exams and deadlines.