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 verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a tremendous amount of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to step outside and introduce myself. However, today I can assert that I’ve forged some of the strongest friendships here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all thanks to engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what insight have I gained? I discovered that taking a risk at the outset of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that being true to yourself is essential. With such a wide range of diverse individuals across the program and university, you’ll surely find people who share your interests.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a significant increase from A-levels, and in some instances, an even more pronounced jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can take a toll on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. What aided me was the realization that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others are struggling with the same thing. Hence, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They empathize and sustain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had earlier. I referred to taking chances previously – I embraced one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with the faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the variety of support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never alone and taught me how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.