Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you are a potential student, it may be a major apprehension. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term commencing, I spent the whole day in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself. Today, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I grasp? It’s wise to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to aid you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find like-minded peers.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and even more from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be hard on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What assisted me was reminding myself that everyone is experiencing the same circumstances. If you don’t comprehend something, it’s likely others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This may be the most important lesson in the first year. Seek support from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain open communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done it sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I made one by stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are abundant ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings about university are often ungrounded and can be eased with the support options provided by staff and students. I’ve found that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.