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 brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating facets of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an aspiring student, it might be a significant concern for you. On my first day of settling into my living space, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can assertively state 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 all it required was some casual conversation with peers in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can be any one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an escalation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes be a blow to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me in conquering that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others are confused as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to embrace in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from peers and instructors!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep constant communication with us 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 talked about taking leaps—I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance you are provided. You can never receive too much help!
On a broader scale, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are mostly baseless and can be eased with the wide range of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has illustrated how to have a good time amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.