Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was far from what my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This can be one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be among your biggest worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, now I can say with confidence that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? It’s advantageous to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being in such a challenging environment can impact your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone faces similar challenges. If you struggle to understand something, I can nearly guarantee that others do as well. Hence, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out to your peers and faculty for support!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding and keep in regular contact with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the support provided by staff and fellow students. It’s made me realize that I am never alone, and it’s taught me how to enjoy myself in spite of stressors like exams and deadlines.