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 poised to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a new student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t an experience my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be at the forefront of your worries. On my initial day settling into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and meet new people. Today, though, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker occasions and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and the university, you’re sure to encounter others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the demanding workload and complexity of the subject matter. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something isn’t clear, I can almost assure you that others also share that confusion. So, seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to embrace in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are plenty of opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much of it!
Overall, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the plethora of support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.