Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to commence my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize an academic year filled with personal development, challenges, and a tremendous amount of fun! But what insights have I gained from this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into housing, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Today, though, I can proudly state that I’ve built some of the finest friendships here at this university and in my course. I’ve formed a second family at Imperial, all starting with brief conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a leap at the start of the year is vital. If you’re not quite ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can be one thing, just be yourself. With many diverse individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can challenge your self-assurance; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can almost assure you that others do too. Thus, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the help available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to relish my experiences alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.