Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize an academic year filled with personal development, challenges, and so much enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, a few days before the semester began, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships at this university and within this program. I found a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with fellow students in similar situations. So, what did I discover? It’s always best to make the first move at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be authentic. With the diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can take a toll on your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel insufficient. A few aspects aided me in overcoming that sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost guarantee that others do not as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek support from your peers and faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to establish connections with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated and how to have fun amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.