Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year brought me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating tasks was making connections with others. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day secluding myself in my room, far too daunted to step out and greet anyone. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this? I discovered that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is important. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you find yourself puzzled by something, I can almost assure you there are others who are equally confused. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Request assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to our experiences and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking chances – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key lesson from this aspect of university is to make use of the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased by the multitude of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has guided me on how to find joy amid stressors like exams and deadlines.
By Guest Blogger
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