Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it could be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days ahead of the term commencing, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the greatest 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 situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is vital. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker activities to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being true to yourself is essential. With a multitude of diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re likely to find those who relate to you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and even more from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can strain your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me in this was the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask peers and staff for help!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely desire to see you succeed and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully employ the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with the staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to leverage the support available. You can never have an excess!
Ultimately, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings about university are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the assistance accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy despite pressures like exams and deadlines.