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 on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be a significant worry for you. On the very first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day ensconced in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can assertively say that I’ve established some of the strongest friendships here at this university and within this program. I discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I glean from this experience? I discovered that taking risks at the onset of the academic year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and gatherings to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that being genuine is crucial. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to find like-minded peers.
Another challenge involved managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was definitely an elevation from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others are struggling as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most critical ability to cultivate in your first year. Seek guidance from your classmates and instructors!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain regular communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I indeed took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best initiatives you can undertake for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the support available. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has enlightened me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.