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 brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Yet, sitting here now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse mix of people throughout the course and university, you’ll inevitably meet like-minded peers.
Another challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was certainly an evident escalation from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into this type of setting can shake your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same position. So, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff for help!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They relate to us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t completely take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I embarked on one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated through the ample support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like examinations and deadlines.