Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead as I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is often one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a future student, it’s likely something you’re primarily worried about. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the best connections here at university and within my course. I have found a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? It’s advisable to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel ready, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker events will be available to assist you in connecting with others. Also, simply be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded peers.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and even more so from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might feel less capable compared to your peers. Keep in mind, everyone shares similar feelings. If something is unclear to you, likely others are also struggling. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the most vital skill to cultivate during the first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They empathize and keep lines of communication open with us throughout the year. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking leaps – I indeed took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s among the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have excessive help!
In conclusion, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety regarding university are often baseless and can be mitigated through the support available from both staff and students. It has revealed that I’m never alone and how to have fun regardless of stressors such as exams and deadlines.