Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what has this year revealed to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This certainly ranks as one of the more frightening aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too overwhelmed to step out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with a bit of small talk with fellow students in comparable situations. So, what did I learn? I found that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events designed to help you engage with others. I also came to understand that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you will undoubtedly find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. Several things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t as well. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face hardships. They empathize with us and consistently communicate throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking leaps previously – I did take 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 immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to get to know the staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the help that’s available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased by the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to enjoy myself amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.