Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my normally shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may occupy your thoughts. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, far too intimidated to emerge and meet others. However, as I sit here now, I can proudly state that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this institution and within my course. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, starting from casual conversations with individuals facing similar experiences. So, what have I realized? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge involved the workload and complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several elements helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who are also in the dark. Therefore, solicit assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to absorb in the first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely want you to excel and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain continuous communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I did make one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is tremendously beneficial. There are countless opportunities to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has illuminated that anxious feelings, both prior to and throughout university, are often unwarranted and can be eased with the diverse support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.