Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled 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. Stepping into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I notice a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Yet, sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean from this experience? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or comfortable, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals in the program and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment is not always a boost to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t comprehend something, I can almost assure you that at least a handful of others also don’t grasp it. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to internalize during your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the staff!
That leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous methods to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best steps you can take for your own benefit! My principal takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has guided me to understand that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the plethora of support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and has taught me how to relish my time despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.