Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. 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 a significant worry for newcomers to university. On the inaugural day of moving into my accommodation, I remained in my room throughout the day, too daunted to introduce myself to anyone. Now, I can proudly affirm that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, initiated by engaging in casual conversations with fellow students in similar situations. I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is advantageous. If you’re not prepared, don’t fret—there are many ice-breakers and events designed to help you engage with others. Be authentic, and you’ll discover individuals like yourself.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was a marked increase from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first to the second term. It’s easy to feel insufficient when observing others study, but keep in mind, everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear, others probably don’t grasp it either. Seeking help is essential in the first year—reach out to peers and instructors!
The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want students to thrive and are aware of the difficulties. They keep us informed throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make use of pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I took the initiative to be a year well-being representative, which enabled me to connect with the staff—an invaluable opportunity. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself. Embrace the assistance available; you can never have too much!
This year has shown me that feelings of anxiety regarding university are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support provided by staff and classmates. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.