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 degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my typically shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting factors of beginning university, and for prospective students reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, simply be yourself. With such a wide variety of individuals across the program and university, you’re destined to meet like-minded people.
Another obstacle encountered was the workload and complexity of the content. There was indeed a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater one from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can impact your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly promise that others don’t either. Therefore, ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for support from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it is definitely one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to make the most of the support that is available to you. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be alleviated through the various support systems offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has showcased how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.