Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously quiet and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is definitely one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be among your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, only days before classes started, I spent the whole day confined to my room, far too intimidated to step outside and meet others. However, today, I can assertively say that I’ve built some of the most meaningful friendships here at university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. What did I take away from this? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities to facilitate connections with others. I also understood that if you can embody one trait, be genuine. With such a variety of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to discover people like yourself.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me navigate this, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggle. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Reach out for help from peers and faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They relate to us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps previously – I made one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to build rapport with the faculty, which is incredibly advantageous. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.