Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about the future. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back, I recognize an academic year that has been filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might rank among your top concerns. On the initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I felt too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Yet today, I can proudly state that I have forged some of the most remarkable friendships here at this university and within this course. I have found a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take that initial leap at the start of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events aimed at helping you connect with others. I also realized that above all, you should be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter others like you.
Another obstacle I encountered was the demands of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in various ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to your self-confidence; you may observe peers studying and feel inadequate by comparison. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost guarantee that several others are also struggling with the same concepts. So, seek help. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and keep the lines of communication open about our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t really utilize the supportive resources until later in the year, but I truly wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – indeed, I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are many opportunities to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it is unquestionably one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to fully take advantage of the assistance being offered. One can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the multitude of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has equipped me to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.