Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and trepidation regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Leaping into the unfamiliar was not a venture my previously introverted and reserved self was prepared for. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, far too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all starting from casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a bold step at the onset of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also came to realize that if there’s one thing to embrace, it’s being yourself. With the diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can test your self-confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate by comparison. A few things alleviated that sensation for me, one being the awareness that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something doesn’t click for you, I can nearly assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Request assistance from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The instructors in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They show understanding toward students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t begin utilizing the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps earlier – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position gave me the opportunity to build relationships with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance 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 through the support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy even amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.