Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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 Venturing into the unknown was not something my once timid and withdrawn self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it could be one of your largest concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term starting, I secluded myself in my room all day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the most wonderful friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this course. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s always advantageous 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 numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be authentic. There are countless diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you are certain to encounter people just like you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being placed into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel subpar. A few elements aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that at least a handful of others are grappling with the same confusion. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the single most crucial lesson to adopt in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They sympathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support system until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I previously mentioned the importance of taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to become acquainted with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s absolutely one of the most beneficial choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to leverage the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated through the vast array of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.