Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and quiet self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I can see a journey filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year given me, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most overwhelming challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the entire day confined to my room because I felt too intimidated to go out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here now, I can confidently state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with people experiencing similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take the initiative at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker occasions and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can embody one trait, it should be authenticity. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find peers who resonate with you.
Another challenge I had to tackle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel as though you don’t measure up. A few things assisted me in managing that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that several others share that confusion as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Seek assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They show understanding toward students and maintain ongoing communication with us about our challenges throughout the year. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I talked about taking initiatives; I undertook one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to become acquainted with faculty, and it’s truly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university life is to make the most of the resources available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be alleviated by the numerous support options provided by the faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has helped me learn how to enjoy myself amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.