Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant in personal development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it might be a primary worry. On my move-in day, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, daunted by the idea of going out to meet others. Today, however, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with peers in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s beneficial to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be genuine. With the diverse crowd across the course and university, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undeniably an increase from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same thing. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you there are others who are equally lost. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to acquire in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They are sympathetic to our situations and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. As I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway from this dimension of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be alleviated with the support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has made me realize that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment in the midst of pressures such as exams and deadlines.