Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I felt a mix of anxiety and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into something unfamiliar was not characteristic of my formerly shy and reserved nature. Looking back at the last academic year, I realize it was a period of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my initial day moving into my lodging, just days prior to the semester kicking off, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and interact with others. Now, I can proudly say that I have forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. What’s the lesson I learned? It’s wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Also, if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse crowd across the course and university, you’ll surely find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger one from the first term to the second. Being in this setting can take a toll on your self-esteem; you may observe peers studying and feel inferior. What proved beneficial for me was recalling that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re puzzled by something, chances are others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from your classmates and the staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize the challenges faced by students. They are understanding and consistently communicate regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke about taking chances before – I took a significant one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to build relationships with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with help from staff and fellow students. It taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.