Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back, I can see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the most daunting facets of initiating university life, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it could be one of your major worries. On my inaugural day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assert with certainty that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I have ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with those experiencing similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I’ve learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment is not always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me navigate through that sentiment, one of which was the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t grasp it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and realize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with the students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the year’s onset by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are many ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much of it!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.