By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what the future held. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what has this year taught me, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often one of the most intimidating parts of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be a significant concern for you. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term beginning, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too apprehensive to go out and meet people. However, today I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here 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 discover? I learned that it’s best to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you’re not yet ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breakers and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be genuine. With such a diverse mix of people across the course and university, you are likely to meet those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even bigger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can challenge your self-confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Turn to your peers and the faculty for help!
This leads me to the next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They are sympathetic to our challenges and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I referred to taking leaps earlier – I embarked on one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to build rapport with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has demonstrated to me that the anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.