Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, hurdles, and so much enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be one of your main worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Today, however, I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned 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 stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be genuine. With such a wide array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your vibe.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few factors aided me through this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are extraordinary. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with our struggles and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking bold steps earlier – I undertook one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the finest actions you can undertake for yourself! My primary takeaway from this segment of university is to capitalize on the assistance that is available. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this past year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and throughout university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.