Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the most frightening parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day cooped up in my room, too shy to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can confidently state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate your connections with others. I also learned that being authentic is the most crucial factor. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was handling the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly an increase in intensity from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t understand it either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most essential skill to master during your first year. Seek support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I did take a significant step at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the support available. You can never have an excess of assistance!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the various support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never solitary, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.