Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back, I recognize a year enriched with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days preceding the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to exit and introduce myself. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. What did I discover? It’s advantageous to take a leap of faith at the start of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events designed to assist you in connecting with others. Also, if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re bound to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a jump from A-levels, and an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Existing in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies aided me through this, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, it’s likely that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for support from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They resonate with our experiences and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the finest things you can do for your well-being! My primary takeaway is to utilize the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be diminished with the support provided by faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and has shown me how to enjoy life despite pressures like exams and deadlines.