Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. 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 previously timid self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year marked by personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friendships. This is often one of the most daunting aspects of initiating university life, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of classes commencing, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with light conversation with others in similar predicaments. What did I realize? It’s wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. Moreover, if you can be one thing, be authentic. With a plethora of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to discover like-minded peers.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a distinct transition from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Existing in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. Several elements aided me through this, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I assure you others are in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to peers and staff!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend student challenges. They show empathy and maintain regular communication with us about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had tapped into it earlier. I talked about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to get acquainted with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to seize the assistance available. You can never have an excess of support!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety before and during university are frequently misplaced and can be mitigated with the support accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never isolated and has shown me how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.