By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previous shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I realize that this year was filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more formidable elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my housing, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room because I felt too daunted to go out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best 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 a little small talk with others in similar situations. So, what did I gain? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with people. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter people like you.
Another difficulty was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in navigating that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t as well. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Request help from your peers and the faculty!
That leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They desire for you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and keep ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking chances at the start; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s certainly 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 you’re offered. You can never overdo it!
In general, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone and how to relish my time alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.