Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year rich with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I learned from this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most daunting challenges I encountered was the quest for friendship. This truly is one of the more intimidating facets of commencing university, and if you find yourself reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term beginning, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, feeling too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what was my takeaway? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to facilitate interaction with others. I also understood that above all else, you should be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’ll surely find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I faced was grappling with the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your self-esteem; witnessing others study might leave you feeling inadequate. However, a few factors helped me navigate those feelings, one of which was the awareness that everyone shares similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that there are several others who are also confused. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year: ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are truly exceptional. They are dedicated to your success and genuinely understand that students can struggle. They empathize with students and maintain continuous communication with us throughout the academic year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I highlighted earlier the importance of taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own well-being! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never receive too much!
In a broader sense, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the wide array of support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun despite the stressors such as exams and deadlines.