Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about 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 timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of classes commencing, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly state that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it merely took initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also understood how essential it is to be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a progression from A-levels, and in some ways, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can be tough on your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same experience. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you there are others who also do. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out for help from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They truly desire your success and recognize the challenges that students encounter. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had started earlier. I talked about taking risks earlier – I made one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can undertake for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has imparted to me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased by the various support avenues available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never by myself and how to find enjoyment despite pressures like examinations and deadlines.