Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Daring to venture into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I realize it has been a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I learned this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was making friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your largest worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room because I felt too intimidated to go out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversations with those in similar situations. So, what have I realized? I learned that it’s always advantageous 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 countless ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you can be, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re certain to find others like you.
Another hurdle was the workload and complexity of the material. There was undeniably a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is on the same journey. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They want you to thrive and understand the challenges students endure. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize 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 one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support provided. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated by the various support systems available from staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone and has demonstrated how to enjoy myself while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.