Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my 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 personality was familiar with. Looking back, 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 standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university can be particularly daunting, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into my dorm, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the entire day hidden in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly affirm that I’ve forged some of the most wonderful friendships here at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events and activities designed to facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that being your true self is essential. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was coping with the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a scenario can shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. What helped me navigate this was the understanding that everyone shares this experience. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others are feeling the same way. Therefore, reach out for assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask your peers and the faculty for help!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking strides earlier – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My central takeaway from this university experience is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased by the myriad of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never truly alone, and it has revealed how to find joy even in the midst of pressures such as exams and deadlines.