Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the brink 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 used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening parts of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your major worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, only a few days before the semester started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all commenced with casual conversations with those in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take that initial step at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breakers and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse crowd across the program and campus, you’re sure to find like-minded individuals.
Another challenge was coping with the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be taxing on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is undergoing the same experience. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost guarantee that others are too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this university experience is to capitalize on the help available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to enjoy my time amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.