Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was feeling anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what wisdom has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is typically one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be among your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my dorm, a few days before classes started, I found myself spending the whole day in my room, too overwhelmed to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can confidently state that I’ve forged some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what’s the lesson? I learned that making bold moves at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, it’s being yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and the university, you’re sure to encounter people like you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always gentle on your self-esteem; you may witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same waters. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others also find it unclear. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for help!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is fantastic. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and keep lines of communication open throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous strategies to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this part of university life is to make use of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even in the face of stressors like exams and deadlines.