Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxieties, fears, and uncertainties about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a period of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly a more daunting part of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might rank as one of your greatest concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Sitting here today, I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of casual conversation with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be abundant ice-breaking chances and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging to your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors helped me navigate that sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone shares this experience. If something perplexes you, I can nearly guarantee there are others who are equally puzzled. So, seek help. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Request assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
That leads me to my next thought. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain open communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I mentioned taking chances earlier – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to become familiar with the faculty members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this element of university is to capitalize on the support provided to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has made it clear to me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources from staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.