Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unfamiliar wasn’t an experience my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and tons of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the primary and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, merely days before the semester started, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to step out and introduce myself. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the best friends here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? It’s always advisable to take a leap at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t worry! There will be ample ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might notice others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was the realization that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, there’s a good chance others don’t either. Therefore, seek help. This could be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Look for support from peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They empathize and keep an ongoing dialogue with us about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is tremendously beneficial. There are various ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the available support. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support systems from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated and has taught me how to have fun in the midst of stressors like exams and deadlines.