By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Facing the unknown was not something my previously timid and quiet self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant in personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where am I currently?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it may be among your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day lurking in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that making a bold move at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also grasped that if you have the choice to be anything, choose to be yourself. With such a variety of personalities across the course and university, you are bound to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and difficulty of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even more considerable jump from the first to the second term. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you that there are others who are equally confused. Therefore, seeking assistance is vital. This could be the most important skill to cultivate in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students encounter obstacles. They relate to students and keep in constant dialogue with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to learn more about the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary conclusion from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has illuminated for me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be lessened with the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. I’ve learned that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.