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. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and lots of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an upcoming student, it may be one of your greatest anxieties. On my move-in day, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too frightened to go out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with fellow students in similar positions. What did I take away from this? I realized that it’s always beneficial to make the first move at the start of the year. If you’re not completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breakers and events to help you engage with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s true to yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to discover others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me overcome that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who also don’t grasp it. Therefore, asking for assistance is crucial. This may be the most vital lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They are considerate of students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had tapped into it sooner. I mentioned taking bold steps previously – I took one at the year’s beginning by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to connect with the staff, and it is unquestionably one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never solitary and how to find joy even amidst stressors like examinations and deadlines.