Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my housing, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day hiding in my room, too nervous to step out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can assert that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started with engaging in casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be lots of ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that above all, be yourself. With such a variety of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
A further challenge involved managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also do not understand. So, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They sympathize with our struggles and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated through the various support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to enjoy myself amid stressors like exams and deadlines.