Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on this, I recognize an academic year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what has this year revealed to me, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are contemplating this as a prospective student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day settling into my dorm, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day confined to my room due to my intimidation in approaching and introducing myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever made at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what did I acquire from this experience? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events available to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if there is one thing you can be, it’s yourself. There is a vast array of people throughout the course and university; you are sure to encounter individuals like yourself.
Another obstacle was the demands of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always great for your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges as you. If something isn’t clear, I can almost assure you that there are at least a handful of others who are equally puzzled. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp during the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty for help!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me the opportunity to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous pathways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unsupported and can be eased with the numerous support avenues accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has showed me how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.