Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Tens months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was something my formerly shy and introverted self was not used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and immense enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I currently stand?
One of the first and most challenging obstacles was forging friendships. This is definitely one of the more stressful parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it could be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day concealing myself in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. However, sitting here today, I can affirmatively state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with a bit of casual conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events designed to help you engage with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to meet others who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the subsequent one. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be hard on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is sailing in the same boat. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are also in the dark. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek guidance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our troubles. I didn’t really leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I previously mentioned taking risks – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance provided to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the ample support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and revealed how to have fun in the midst of pressures like exams and deadlines.