Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most formidable hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might rank high on your list of worries. On my initial day moving into my dorm, a few days prior to the semester’s commencement, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and meet new people. Sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I glean? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there is one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a varied group of people across the course and university, you’re sure to meet others who resonate with you.
Another difficulty was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-assurance; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experiences. If you find something perplexing, I can almost guarantee that several others are just as confused. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Ask for support from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I initiated one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to establish connections with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are mostly baseless and can be mitigated by the numerous support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has showed me how to have fun alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.