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 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 familiar with. Now, as I reflect back, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and so much enjoyment! But what insights has this year imparted to me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This truly is one of the more fearsome elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it might rank among your chief worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what message did I take away? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker chances and events will be available to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With a plethora of diverse individuals across the program and campus, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the materials. There was certainly a gap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger gap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe your peers studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me through that sensation, one of which is the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you find something confusing, I can almost ensure that others are grappling with it too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely desire for you to excel and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had made use of it earlier. I mentioned before about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to become acquainted with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the assistance that is available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the myriad of support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to relish my time, despite stressors like exams and deadlines.