By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be one of the most daunting features of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be among your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day indoors, feeling too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. What did I take away from this experience? It’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. Also, if there’s one piece of advice to follow, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another challenge involved managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and an even more significant leap from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can challenge your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. However, keep in mind that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, others likely share that confusion too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson of the first year. Reach out to both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy towards us and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson is to capitalize on the support provided. One can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are generally unfounded and can be eased with the support available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never truly alone and has taught me how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.