Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about what lay ahead as I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student, it could be a significant worry. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term start, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to go out and meet others. Now, I can proudly state I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at this university and within my course. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I realize? It’s beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. Also, be authentic. With a multitude of diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the workload and complexity of the material. There was a significant increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and even more so from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can severely impact your confidence; you may feel insufficient in comparison to your peers. Remember, everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling with something, it’s likely that others are too. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is an essential lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They truly want you to thrive and grasp the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and maintain open communication with us throughout the year. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was winding down, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I talked about taking leaps – I took one by stepping up as a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main message is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety regarding university are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never truly alone and taught me how to enjoy my experiences despite pressures like examinations and deadlines.