Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and ample enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too frightened to step outside and introduce myself. However, sitting here now, I can confidently state that I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always best to take a chance at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was certainly an increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can test your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few elements assisted me through that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are also facing difficulties. So, seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Request help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend that students encounter obstacles. They show understanding towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take a leap at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Generally speaking, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and how to enjoy myself even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.