Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I found myself anxious and uncertain 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 unfamiliar was not a realm my formerly reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it may be a significant worry for you. On the day I moved into my accommodation, mere days before the term kicked off, I spent the entire day retreating to my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Conversely, I can now proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what wisdom did I gain? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events designed to assist you in making connections. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a variety of individuals across the program and the university, you’re sure to find peers who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of assignments and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper climb from the first term to the second. Thriving in such an environment can impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me through this, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that others are too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty within Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy toward us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I regret not engaging with it sooner. I referred to taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are countless avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this is to make the most of the support available. You can never have an excess of help!
All in all, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the support offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to relish my time even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.