Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my formerly shy and reticent self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year brought, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term’s start, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too scared to venture out and meet people. However, today, I can proudly state that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered 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 taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that being true to yourself is crucial. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’ll surely find kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was the workload and the level of difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A couple of factors helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are in a similar situation. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They sympathize with students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated by the various support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.