Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I realize I’ve experienced a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was making friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an aspiring student, it may be your primary concern. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term started, I spent the entire day secluding myself in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all started with striking up casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned that taking initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking occasions and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who you relate to.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely an increase in difficulty from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares this experience. If you’re struggling with something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who are also confused. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was coming to a close, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned earlier the importance of taking initiatives – I did step out of my comfort zone at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has made me realize that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment despite the stressors like exams and deadlines.