Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I see it filled with personal development, hurdles, and enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry. On my first day settling into my accommodation, right before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too nervous to step out and connect with others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all thanks to engaging in casual conversations with people in similar situations. What have I learned? It’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared, that’s perfectly fine! There are numerous ice-breaker events designed to help you connect with others. Also, just be yourself. With such a diverse group of people in the program and university, you’ll find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and understanding the complex material. There was a visible leap from A-levels, and an even more significant increase from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can impact your self-esteem; you may feel inadequate compared to your peers. Keep in mind, everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear, it’s likely that others feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This is vital during the first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They are supportive and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking risks – I did this by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with faculty, which is truly invaluable. There are numerous avenues to meet staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much of it!
This year has shown me that feelings of anxiety concerning university are often misplaced and can be mitigated with help from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone and taught me how to find joy despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.