Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about what lay ahead. I was starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of joy! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day settling into my housing, just prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day in my room, too fearful to go out and engage with others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and it all kick-started with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? 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 an abundance of ice-breaker events to assist you in socializing with others. I also learned that authenticity is vital. With such a variety of individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. What supported me was the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, chances are others are struggling too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most essential lesson of the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They relate to us and maintain ongoing dialogue regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so sooner. I spoke earlier about taking risks—I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for your well-being! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings about university are often baseless and can be eased with the support from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite challenges like exams and deadlines.