Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year pupil. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my typically shy and reserved nature was accustomed to. Looking back now, I perceive a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and much enjoyment! But what insights did this year impart, and what is my current position?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of commencing university, and for those prospective students, it may be one of the largest worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just before the term commenced, I spent the whole day concealing myself in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. However, today I can assertively state that I have developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever formed at this university and within this course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not quite prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also observed that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re bound to find like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to confidence; witnessing others study may leave you feeling insufficient. A few elements aided me in overcoming that emotion, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t comprehend it. So, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding of students’ challenges and maintain open communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. As I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I made one at the year’s commencement by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get to know the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance offered. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the numerous support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has revealed that I’m never solitary and has taught me how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.