By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the path ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself today?
One of the early and most daunting obstacles was forging friendships. This is undeniably one of the more intimidating facets of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student perusing this, it might be among your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too scared to venture out and introduce myself. Sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and everything began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that initiating connections at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to help you mingle with others. I also learned that if you can embody one quality, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals within the course and university, you’ll surely find people who share your mindset.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting can sometimes shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A couple of factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same waters. If you find something unclear, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges that students encounter. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully make use of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build relationships with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are several ways to get acquainted with the faculty, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to seize the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the numerous support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to enjoy myself amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.