Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain 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 used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your major worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester started, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too overwhelmed to go out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with engaging in light conversation with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that it’s always wise to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be many ice-breaking occasions and activities to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are certain to meet those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always easy for one’s self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies assisted me in navigating that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you encounter difficulties, I can nearly guarantee there are others who also do not grasp it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the struggles students face. They empathize with students and keep an ongoing dialogue with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are numerous avenues to get to know faculty members, and it’s undeniably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has enlightened me to the fact that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often misplaced and can be eased with the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like examinations and deadlines.