Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead. 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 previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I see a path of personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was making friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your main worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too nervous to step out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was initiating small conversations with people in similar situations. So, what was my takeaway? I realized that it’s always beneficial to make a move at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel ready or secure, don’t be concerned! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also found out that if you can be one thing, it should be yourself. With so many varied individuals in the course and university, you’re likely to find companions who think like you.
Another challenge was handling the workload and the complexity of content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes take a toll on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar situations. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you others don’t either. Hence, ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek support from your peers as well as the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students experience difficulties. They resonate with students and keep in constant communication with us throughout the year about our struggles. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me connect with the staff members, which is incredibly important. There are numerous ways to get to know faculty, and it’s truly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this part of university is to take full advantage of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various support options accessible from the faculty and fellow students. It has also taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.