Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. 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 formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! What insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most anxiety-inducing elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be your greatest concern. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too scared to emerge and interact with others. Today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. What did I learn? It’s wise to take risks at the start of the year. If you’re not ready or feel uncomfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger step from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. What aided me was recalling that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, there’s a good chance that others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to embrace in the first year. Seek 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 are aware of student difficulties. They show understanding and maintain open communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one by serving as a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are many avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary conclusion is to take full advantage of the assistance available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment despite stressors like exams and deadlines.