Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved persona was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and what is my current situation?
One of the primary and more daunting obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fear-inducing elements of embarking on university life, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days preceding the start of classes, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with peers in similar positions. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous icebreakers and events will arise to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. With a wide array of individuals across the program and the university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear leap from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; seeing others studying might leave you feeling insufficient. A few strategies helped me manage that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. Therefore, ask for assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They are empathetic towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking risks before – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is extremely advantageous. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.