Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I found myself feeling anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink 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 familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and joy. But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often regarded as one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assert that I’ve made some of the finest friends here at this university and throughout this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar positions. What did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is crucial. If you don’t feel prepared, that’s okay! There are numerous ice-breaker events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being true to yourself is essential. With so many varied individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who share your interests.
Another challenge I faced was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger one from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can impact your confidence; you may feel subpar in comparison to your peers. A few strategies aided me during this period, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something hard to grasp, it’s likely that others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Reach out for help from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are extraordinary. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the struggles that students face. They are compassionate and keep an open line of communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can undertake for your own benefit! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.