By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Jumping into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your major concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term started, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small talk with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse crowd across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another hurdle was the workload and difficulty of the content. There was certainly a notable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always kind to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also don’t comprehend it. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter hurdles. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started using it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – 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 incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s undeniably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to take advantage of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has reminded me that I’m never alone and how to have fun alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.