By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year rich in self-discovery, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This aspect of commencing university is surely one of the more daunting, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your chief concerns. On my move-in day, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day cooped up in my room because I was too daunted to venture out and greet others. Yet today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small talk with peers in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s always best to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events to facilitate your interaction with others. I also learned that if you can embrace one thing, it’s to be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to meet people who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the content. The transition from A-levels was significant, and in certain respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even larger. Being thrust into such an environment can be quite tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone shares the same struggles as you. If you find something challenging, I can nearly assure you that there are several others who do too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about embracing new experiences – I took a significant step at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much help!
On a broader scale, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be mitigated by the plethora of support from the staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m not alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy my time alongside the stresses that accompany exams and deadlines.