Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it could be one of your greatest concerns. On my inaugural day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. However, I can now confidently say that I’ve formed some of the most amazing friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to meet like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a considerable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you there are others who are also unsure. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to take full advantage of the support you’re offered. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are almost invariably unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.