Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved and timid self was familiar with. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to step out and meet others. However, today I can proudly declare that I’ve made some of the finest friends here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s important to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be plenty of ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who click with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. It was undeniably a jump from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things helped me navigate this emotion, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to understand something, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Ask your peers and the faculty for support!
This brings me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They empathize with our situations and maintain regular communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the academic year was nearing its end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with faculty, and it’s among the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased with the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone and has taught me how to have a good time even amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.