Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overcome with nerves, 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 formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student perusing this, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Today, though, I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all commencing with light conversations with those in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s true to yourself. With such a diverse array of people in the course and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a clear escalation from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same predicament. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. So, ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek support from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully exploit the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the help available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often ungrounded and can be mitigated through the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never truly alone and how to find enjoyment despite stressors like exams and deadlines.