Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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 typical for my previously introverted and reserved nature. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently regarded as one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my move-in day, just before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet new people. However, I can now assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those experiencing the same situation. So, what did I grasp? I discovered that taking a chance at the start of the year is vital. If you’re feeling uncertain or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you engage with others. I also realized that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse group of individuals at the university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the level of workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in certain instances, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can affect your self-esteem; you may observe peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me through this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares this experience. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure there’s someone else who feels the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for support from both fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The instructors in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and acknowledge that students face challenges. They relate to our struggles and keep in continuous touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking risks earlier – I indeed took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to forge connections with faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to capitalize on the support being offered to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the numerous support resources available from both staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to balance enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.