By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not a situation my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a journey of personal development, hurdles, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university can be quite daunting, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day in my room, too scared to go out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve made some wonderful friends here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what have I learned? It’s crucial to take a chance at the start of the year. If you’re not prepared or don’t feel comfortable, don’t panic! There are countless ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another struggle was handling the workload and the complexity of content. There was a clear increase from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can shake your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. What aided me was recalling that everyone experiences the same circumstances. If you find something difficult to grasp, others probably do as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most important lesson to grasp during your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They empathize and maintain ongoing communication about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral resources until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized them earlier. I spoke of taking chances earlier – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to engage with staff members, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s among the most beneficial actions you can undertake for yourself! My primary lesson is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the assistance available from staff and fellow students. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly alone and how to have fun even in the face of pressures like exams and deadlines.