Authored by Dawson La, Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Just ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unknown was not something my once-timid and quiet self was familiar with. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, trials, and immense enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it could be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the start of the semester, I spent the entire day confined to my room, far too daunted to venture out and meet others. Presently, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were in the same boat. So, what did I take away from this? It’s advisable to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With so many varied individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who share your mindset.
Another obstacle was the demands of the coursework and its complexity. There was certainly an increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can test your confidence; you may observe your peers studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me during this time, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you find something unclear, I can nearly assure you that others do too. Therefore, ask for assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek support from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to our struggles and keep in touch with us regularly throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had accessed it sooner. I talked about taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available. You can never have enough!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be alleviated with the various support systems offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to have fun despite stressors like examinations and deadlines.