Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be your primary worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too apprehensive to go out and meet others. However, today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, right here at this university and in this course. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in light conversation with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking occasions and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can be one thing, be your authentic self. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people like yourself.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some ways, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are, too. Hence, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our issues. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps — I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position allowed me to establish connections with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this segment of university life is to utilize the assistance provided to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has guided me on how to have fun amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.