Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my once-timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to step out and meet others. Today, however, I can state with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with some casual conversations with people facing similar situations. So, what did I glean? I learned that taking a step forward 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 ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, be true to yourself. With a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to discover like-minded people.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undeniably a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even bigger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; seeing others study may leave you feeling insufficient. A few factors helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the awareness that everyone is experiencing the same journey. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can virtually assure you that others are in the same boat. Therefore, ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Seek help from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and acknowledge 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 fully engage with the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking steps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to establish connections with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have an excess of support!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both in the lead-up to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated by the multitude of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it’s illuminated how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.