Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, 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. Taking the plunge into the unfamiliar was quite foreign to my previously introverted and reserved nature. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current stance?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and for any incoming student, it could be a primary concern. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced, both within this university and my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with a bit of casual conversation with others in similar predicaments. So, what was my takeaway? I discovered that initiating connections at the start of the year is always the best approach. If you’re not actually ready or feeling at ease, no need to panic! There will be countless icebreaker chances and events designed to facilitate connections. Moreover, I learned that if there’s one key thing to be, it’s yourself. With a wide array of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
An additional challenge was the heavy workload and the intricacy of the material. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an atmosphere can challenge your self-confidence; seeing others studying might lead to feelings of unworthiness. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one of which was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar difficulties. If you’re struggling to grasp something, you can bet that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most critical skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to both your classmates and faculty for support!
This brings me to my following point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students encounter challenges. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year, addressing our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged earlier. As I noted before about taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to build rapport with the staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main insight from this facet of university is to utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much help!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often misplaced and can be eased with the various support alternatives provided by staff and peers. It has made me realize that I am never isolated, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.