Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, 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 unfamiliar was not something my once shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, trials, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself today?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your foremost worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodations, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, starting all with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and activities to help you engage with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an environment can be challenging to your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped alleviate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you others are as well. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the teaching staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students face. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I did take one at the onset of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your well-being! My primary takeaway from this part of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. There’s no such thing as too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated through the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has also enlightened me to the fact that I’m never alone and taught me how to have fun while managing stresses such as exams and deadlines.