By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. 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 previously timid and introverted self was used to. In hindsight, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of entering university, and if you’re a prospective student perusing this, it may be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term kicking off, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to venture out and mingle. However, now I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I glean? I learned that making the initial leap at the year’s beginning is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking chances and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being true to oneself is essential. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who vibe with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some ways, an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a setting can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly assure you that others are in similar situations. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from both peers and staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They truly desire for you to excel and are aware of the obstacles students encounter. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year concerning our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the finest actions you can take for yourself! My primary insight from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have excessive support!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has imparted the lesson that I’m never on my own and how to have fun despite stressors like exams and deadlines.