Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to start my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and where do I stand today?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re exploring this as a prospective student, it could be one of your greatest fears. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I grasp? I understood that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not quite ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, it should be authenticity. There’s a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university; you are destined to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is navigating the same situation as you. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that there are others feeling the same way. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and consistently communicate with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t truly make use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are various ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance being offered. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be alleviated through the multitude of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.