Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious and uncertain as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously reserved self was used to. In hindsight, I can see a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a wealth of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand at this point?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re contemplating enrollment, it might be a significant worry for you as well. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and mingle. Now, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. What did I discover? It’s advisable to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample icebreaker events to assist you in connecting with others. Also, if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a discernible leap from A-levels, and an even greater increase from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can influence your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. What aided me was recalling that everyone faces similar challenges. If something is unclear, I assure you others feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson of the first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy and maintain continuous communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking risks – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position facilitated my connection with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway is to utilize the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety regarding university are often unwarranted and can be eased with the support provided by staff and peers. I’ve learned I am never alone and how to find joy amidst the stress of exams and deadlines.