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 the future. I was poised to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a new student. Diving into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I can acknowledge a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what did this year convey to me, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day settling into my residence, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room, far too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Presently, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I glean? I learned 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-breaking opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first to the second term. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few aspects assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are struggling as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp during your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had accessed it earlier. I spoke of taking risks before – I took a significant one at the start of the year by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best actions you can undertake for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unjustified and can be eased by utilizing the support resources provided by staff and fellow peers. It has taught me that I’m never solitary and how to relish my time despite stressors like examinations and deadlines.