Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Engaging with the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was ready for. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I find myself today?
One of the first and most daunting hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating facets of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as a prospective student, it may be one of your major concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day confined to my room, feeling too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what have I discovered? I’ve realized that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I’ve also recognized that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. There’s a diverse array of people throughout the course and university; you’re sure to meet individuals like yourself.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a significant transition from A-levels, and in many ways, an even more considerable leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can undermine your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A couple of things assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who are also puzzled. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They sympathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is enormously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the support you’re offered. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often misplaced and can be alleviated by the myriad of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.