By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, 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 unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Reflecting on this past year, I recognize it as a time filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I learned this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of entering university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to go out and meet new people. However, sitting here today, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what was my takeaway? I learned that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, there’s no need to fret! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With the diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can challenge your self-confidence; you might observe peers studying and feel less than capable. A few factors helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost guarantee that others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and faculty for help!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are wonderful. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy toward students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is extremely valuable. There are various avenues to meet staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support provided. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the many support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.