Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, 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. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be what you’re most anxious about. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too scared to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can confidently state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not fully prepared or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities to help you connect with fellow students. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the amount of work and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a challenging environment can be hard on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can almost assure you others are in the same situation. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to another important point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students can face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had accessed it sooner. I mentioned taking bold steps earlier; I did take one by stepping into the role of a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to get acquainted with the faculty members, which proves to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased with the various support resources provided by both staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.