Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year marked by personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my situation now?
One of the first and most challenging obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your major worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of class start, I spent the entire day in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, I can now confidently say that I have formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with peers facing similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? It’s advisable to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is crucial. With the diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe peers studying and feel like you’re not measuring up. Several strategies helped me navigate this, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you find yourself struggling to grasp something, it’s likely that others are too. Therefore, asking for assistance is vital. This could be the most important lesson to take from your first year. Don’t hesitate to seek help from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support services until the final part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I spoke about taking leaps earlier – I made one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to build connections with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the wisest decisions you can make for your well-being! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the resources available. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety regarding university are often baseless and can be eased with the assistance provided by faculty and fellow students. It has made me realize that I am never alone and has shown me how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.