Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was well-acquainted with. Looking back, I recognize a year abundant in personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This undoubtedly ranks among the more daunting aspects of entering university, and if you are an incoming student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my inaugural day settling into my residence, just days before the term started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, far too frightened to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here now, I can assertively state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, both at this university and within this program. I’ve cultivated a second family here at Imperial, and everything began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I discovered that taking a chance 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-breaker events and opportunities to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, let it be your true self. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me to overcome that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you there are others who feel the same. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to acquire in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely care about your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I did not fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred earlier to taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build rapport with the faculty, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it is one of the most beneficial steps you can take for yourself! My main lesson from this part of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support systems offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to embrace enjoyment despite challenges such as examinations and deadlines.