Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, 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 unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the primary and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might rank among your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to step outside and meet others. Sitting here today, I can affirm that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking activities to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With such a diverse array of people in the course and university, you are sure to find those with similar mindsets.
Another difficulty was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be challenging for your self-confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming these feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If there’s something you don’t comprehend, I can nearly guarantee that others are in the same position. So, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to take from the first year. Don’t hesitate to get support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance 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 eased with the various support systems offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has revealed how to enjoy myself simultaneously with pressures such as exams and deadlines.