By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year impart, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is surely one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your largest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with brief conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I grasp? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few elements helped me cope with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that others are confused too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most essential lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
That leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They connect with students and maintain continuous communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly helpful. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the various support options available from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it’s revealed how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.