By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 once timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I perceive a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university is indeed one of the more intimidating, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On the day I moved into my new accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had during my time at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? It’s advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals within the course and the university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was noticeably significant, and in some aspects, the leap from the first term to the second was even greater. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less competent. What aided me was the realization that everyone is facing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the obstacles students encounter. They show empathy towards students and maintain regular communication about our challenges throughout the year. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was nearing its end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I indeed took a leap by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are countless ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.