Authored by Dawson La, MEng in Materials Science and Engineering
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and fun! What lessons have I absorbed, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is usually one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and for prospective students, it may be a significant worry. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, daunted by the idea of venturing out to meet others. However, today, I can affirmatively say that I’ve developed some of the best friendships here at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you embody one quality, it should be to be yourself. With such a diverse mix of people across the program and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another challenge was the demands of the coursework and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can shake your confidence; you may notice others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me combat that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are puzzled too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for support from your fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties that students encounter. They relate to student challenges and keep open lines of communication throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had embraced it sooner. As I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for your well-being! My foremost takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support systems provided by faculty and peers. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.