Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved persona was used to. Looking back on the past year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my housing, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet anyone. Now, I can assuredly say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those in comparable situations. What did I realize? It’s advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. Also, stay true to yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those like you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a visible increase from A-levels, and a significantly larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. What benefited me was the realization that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are confused too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most essential lesson in the first year. Reach out to peers and staff for help!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They are understanding and maintain ongoing communication about our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks – I took one by becoming a year wellness representative. This position allowed me to connect with staff, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with faculty, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. I’ve discovered that I’m never alone and learned to find joy amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.