Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future while preparing to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing something new was not typical for my formerly shy and reserved personality. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. What insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This can be daunting when entering university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day settling into my accommodation, I remained in my room the whole day, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. Now, I can proudly say 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 commenced with light conversations with others facing similar circumstances. What did I discover? It’s beneficial to take a chance at the start of the year. If you’re not yet ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Also, be authentic. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’ll undoubtedly find like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the level of workload and the difficulty of the content. There was a clear increase from A-levels, and an even more significant leap from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can influence your self-esteem; you might feel inferior compared to your peers. Keep in mind, everyone is navigating the same journey. If you find something challenging, chances are others do too. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson in your first year. Reach out to classmates and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They demonstrate empathy and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking risks earlier—I did just that by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is priceless. There are various ways to get to know the staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial steps you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to seize the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety about university are often baseless and can be mitigated with the assistance available from faculty and fellow students. I’ve realized I’m never alone and learned how to enjoy myself, notwithstanding the pressure from exams and deadlines.