Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to begin my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my previously reserved and shy self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often stands as one of the most frightening elements of starting university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day of moving into the dorms, merely days before the semester started, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself. Today, I can proudly claim to have made some of the greatest friends I’ve ever known, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were in the same boat. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that making a move at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, that’s perfectly fine! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breakers and events to help you bond with others. I also grasped that being authentic is key. With such a wide variety of individuals in the program and university, you’re sure to find people who share your interests.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can impact your confidence; you might see others studying diligently and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate through those feelings, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you find something unclear, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to internalize in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and faculty for help!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They sympathize with their students and ensure ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had recognized its value earlier. I mentioned risks earlier – I did take one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role gave me the chance to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are various ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your personal growth! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never receive too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy even in the midst of stressors like exams and deadlines.