Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my former shy and introverted personality was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This element is frequently one of the most frightening parts of entering university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On the first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too fearful to step out and introduce myself. Today, I can confidently claim that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, both within this university and my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I found it’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a challenging environment can impact your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few aspects helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling with a topic, I can almost assure you that others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may well 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 next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show compassion toward students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke about taking risks before – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. There’s no such thing as too much help!
All in all, this year revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It showed me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.