Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I notice a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a future student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my housing, a few days ahead of the semester starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, far too daunted to venture out and meet others. Yet today, I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I realized that taking a chance at the onset of the year is undeniably advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is crucial. With a vast array of diverse individuals across the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be hard on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few elements helped me navigate that feeling, one being the assurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re grappling with something, I can almost guarantee that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Look for support from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They connect with students and engage in continuous communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really make use of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke earlier of taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build rapport with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best moves you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased through the various support systems available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never solitary and how to find enjoyment alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.