Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself. Today, however, I can confidently state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar predicaments. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is vital. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a distinct increase from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being in this environment can test your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What assisted me was recalling that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling to understand something, I can nearly assure you that others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty for help!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain open lines of communication with us about our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had sooner. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one by stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with staff, which is priceless. There are many opportunities to get acquainted with staff, and it is one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to leverage the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are typically unwarranted and can be mitigated through the support offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment despite stresses like exams and deadlines.