Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown wasn’t something my previously introverted and quiet self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as one filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it might be your primary concern. On my initial day moving into my new place, just days before classes were set to start, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to step out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I understand? I found it best to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, that’s perfectly fine! There will be numerous ice-breaking events designed to assist you in connecting with peers. I also discovered that being genuine is essential. With such a wide array of people throughout the course and the university, you’re bound to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What benefited me was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most important skill to acquire in your first year. Reach out for help from classmates and instructors!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about making leaps before – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key insight is to make the most of the support provided. You can never ask for too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support that staff and fellow students provide. It’s demonstrated to me that I’m never isolated and has shown me how to find joy even amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.