By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months earlier, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening facets of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be among your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this course. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it is yourself. With such a diverse array of people across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter individuals who share your mindset.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you struggle to grasp something, I can almost assure you others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Look for support from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had used it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I made one at the onset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My principal lesson from this aspect of university is to seize the help offered. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the supportive resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.