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 brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This often ranks as one of the most frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day moving into my dorm, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and socialize. Today, I can proudly state I’ve built some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with peers in similar situations. What did I discover? Taking a chance at the beginning of the year is beneficial. If you’re not feeling prepared, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Just be yourself; with so many diverse individuals around, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can influence your self-esteem; you may feel inadequate in comparison to your peers. Keep in mind, everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are feeling the same way. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is vital in your first year. Reach out to both peers and faculty!
The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the difficulties students face. They engage with us about our concerns throughout the academic year. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I made a bold move early on by becoming a year wellbeing representative, which allowed me to connect with faculty, a valuable experience. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway is to seize the support available. You can never have too much!
This year has revealed to me that anxious feelings regarding university are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support from staff and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone and how to enjoy my time despite the pressures from exams and deadlines.