Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most daunting hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more fearsome parts of beginning university, and if you’re perusing this as an incoming student, it may be your biggest concern. On the first day of settling into my accommodation, just days before classes began, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly say that I’ve created some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve cultivated a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was a few casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I derive from this? I gleaned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is incredibly rewarding. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breakers and events to facilitate connections. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse mix of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to encounter similarly minded peers.
Another challenge involved the academic demands and complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in many ways, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can sometimes shake your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the understanding that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others struggle with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to the next important point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show compassion for students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly tap into the support system until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking risks previously – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build connections with the faculty, which is incredibly 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 core message regarding this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be alleviated by the various support resources provided by the staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to balance enjoyment along with pressures like exams and deadlines.