By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, uncertainty, and apprehension about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my typically shy and introverted nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year teeming with personal development, obstacles, and a significant amount of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the semester, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly claim that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking risks at the year’s onset is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse community across the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can question your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the assurance that everyone is in the same situation. If something confounds you, I can nearly guarantee others are feeling the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They sympathize and keep open lines of communication with us regarding our concerns throughout the year. I did not take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier the importance of taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to build rapport with the faculty, which is immensely advantageous. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and this is one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have an excess!
All in all, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated with the abundant support options from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.