Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was something my formerly shy and introverted self had never encountered. Looking back now, I recognize a year full 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 forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my accommodations, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too fearful to emerge and interact with others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at this institution and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all commenced with casual conversations with those in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you aren’t prepared or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that staying true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you are likely to encounter those who share your interests.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can impact your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me during this time, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others don’t understand it either. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and faculty!
That leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students endure. They relate to our experiences and keep consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I referenced taking chances previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s among the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to seize the help that is available. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support options available from faculty and fellow peers. It has taught me that I’m never solitary and how to have fun regardless of stressors such as exams and deadlines.