Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be one of your primary anxieties. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, far too fearful to venture out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can affirm with confidence that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be abundant opportunities and events to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and complexity of the material. Transitioning from A-levels was indeed a challenge, and in some respects, the shift from the first term to the second was even larger. Being thrust into such an environment can be daunting for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel out of place. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who feel the same. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for support from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. They empathize with students and engage in continuous communication with us throughout the year concerning our difficulties. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I embraced one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are myriad ways to interact with the staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support offered to you. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the extensive support available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.