Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was feeling anxious, frightened, 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 unfamiliar was not something my formerly introverted and reserved self was used to. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating parts of beginning university, and if you are perusing this as a potential student, it might rank high among your concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term, I spent the full day tucked away in my room because I was too nervous to venture out and meet others. Yet, sitting here now, I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, here in this university and in this program. I’ve constructed a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always best to make a brave move at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, rest assured! There will be countless opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. There’s a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and campus; you are sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes be taxing for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. There were several things that assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one of which was the reminder that everyone is navigating the same experience as you. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee that there are at least a handful of others who are equally lost. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Request support from your classmates and the faculty!
This segues perfectly into my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and keep an ongoing dialogue with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really tap into the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. Holding this role allowed me to build relationships with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your self-improvement! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to utilize the resources available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased by the various support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never isolated, and it has taught me how to balance enjoyment with stressors such as exams and deadlines.