By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety 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 unknown was not something my formerly timid self was used to. Looking back at the past academic year, I recognize a time marked by personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking elements of beginning university, and if you are considering this as a potential student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to step outside and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? It’s best to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to aid you in connecting with others. Also, be authentic. With such a variety of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel less than adequate. What assisted me was recalling that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are confused as well. So, seek help. This may be the most essential skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty for assistance!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the difficulties students encounter. They sympathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, which I wish I had done sooner. I spoke of taking risks earlier— I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is invaluable. There are many ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway is to make the most of the assistance offered. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxiety regarding university is often baseless and can be eased through the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. I have discovered that I am never alone and have learned how to have a good time despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.