Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it might be at the top of your worries. On my moving day into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, both here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar experiences. So, what lesson did I learn? I discovered that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diversity of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always great for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. Several things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee others are also finding it challenging. So, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They are invested in your success and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and keep in regular touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This opportunity allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the numerous support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it’s shown me how to balance enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.