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 the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gleaned this year, and what is my current position?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This aspect is often one of the most daunting when beginning university, and if you are a prospective student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day isolating myself in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I can affirm that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with brief conversations with those in similar situations. So, what has been my takeaway? I realized that taking that initial leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely ready or comfortable, fear not! Numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events will help you connect with others. I also discovered that being genuine is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into this environment can be challenging for your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. Several things helped me cope with this feeling, one of which was the acknowledgment that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something confusing, there’s a high chance that others are experiencing the same dilemma. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the most vital lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for assistance from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to achieve success and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They relate to our concerns and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier taking leaps – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me build connections with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are plentiful ways to engage with the faculty, and this is one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this part of university is to utilize the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated with the abundance of support available from faculty and fellow students. It has illuminated for me that I am never alone, and how to find joy amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.