By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the 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 typically shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and for those of you considering this path, it may be among your greatest concerns. On the day I moved into the dorms, a few days ahead of the start of classes, I spent the entire day confined to my room, far too overwhelmed to go out and engage with others. Today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. What have I learned? It’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events designed to help you meet people. Additionally, if you can embody one thing, let it be your true self. With such a varied group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity and complexity of the workload. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel somewhat inferior. A few factors aided me in navigating this, one being the realization that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re struggling with a concept, I can nearly assure you that others are as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp during the first year. Seek support from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They understand and maintain open lines of communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I referred to taking risks earlier – I embraced one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently misplaced and can be mitigated by the support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has illustrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to have fun in tandem with stressors such as examinations and deadlines.