Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Looking back, I now realize this year was filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and how do I feel at this point?
One of the most significant and intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most terrifying aspects of beginning university, and for prospective students, it may be your top worry. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to go out and meet others. However, I can now proudly state that I’ve made some remarkable friends during my time at university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with others in the same situation. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking risks at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker activities designed to help you connect with others. I also found that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse range of people across the course and campus, you’re sure to encounter those who share your interests.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a notable jump from A-levels and an even larger leap from the first to the second term. Being in this setting can be tough on your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel less capable. What helped me was the recognition that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your peers and instructors!
This leads to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication with us consistently throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so much earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took a significant one by becoming a wellbeing representative for the year. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson is to make the most of the support available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased with the assistance from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.