By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not a scenario my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the year, I recognize an academic journey rich in personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forging friendships. This aspect is certainly among the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too shy to venture out and meet new people. However, sitting here now, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what has this taught me? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities will exist to facilitate interactions. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, it should be authenticity. There are countless different individuals throughout the course and university; you’re certain to meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I needed to navigate was the workload and complexity of the material. There was definitely a significant shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a challenging environment isn’t always conducive to your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel as though you fall short. A few strategies assisted me in coping with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost guarantee that there are at least a few others who also don’t understand it. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are wonderful. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They empathize with our experiences and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I embraced one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous methods to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your development! My principal lesson from this aspect of university life is to utilize the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In a broader sense, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options provided by staff and other students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to balance enjoyment with stressors such as exams and deadlines.