Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, afraid, and uncertain about what lay ahead. 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 reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just a few days prior to the term kicking off, I remained in my room the whole day, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this institution and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversation with others in similar predicaments. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s beneficial to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you’re not quite prepared or feeling at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities and events to help you bond with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a variety of people across the program and university, you’re sure to discover those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If something confuses you, I can nearly assure you that there are others who feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and consistently communicate with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really engage with the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly advantageous. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the abundant support options available from staff and peers. It’s taught me that I’m never isolated, and it’s illustrated how to have fun while navigating challenges such as exams and deadlines.