Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was just about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your biggest concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes commencing, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I was too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse array of personalities across the program and university, you’re sure to find individuals like you.
Another challenge was the academic workload and complexity of the content. There was indeed a transition from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you don’t comprehend something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in the Materials department are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and realize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had leveraged it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best moves you can make for your benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated with the various support resources from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has revealed ways to enjoy myself amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.