Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of nervousness, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unknown was not a familiar territory for my previously introverted and reserved self. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was establishing friendships. This surely ranks as one of the more daunting elements of entering university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it could be among your major worries. On my first day moving into my residence, just a few days prior to classes commencing, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this institution and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with fellow students in similar positions. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s always worthwhile to take the initiative at the onset of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one principle, be authentic. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you may observe peers studying and feel as though you fall short. A couple of factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the comforting thought that everyone is facing the same challenges. If you struggle with something, I can nearly guarantee that others are grappling with it too. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and appreciate that students face difficulties. They relate to us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to leverage the support available to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are typically baseless and can be mitigated through the extensive support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary and how to find joy amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.