Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently among the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be at the forefront of your worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days ahead of the semester start, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. However, today I can assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what have I gathered from this experience? I’ve realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be a multitude of ice-breaker occasions and events to assist you in making connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in many ways, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This could very well be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I talked about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illuminated that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the various support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment even in the face of pressures such as exams and deadlines.