Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be a significant concern for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, just days ahead of the semester starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can say with assurance that I’ve formed some of the best relationships I’ve ever experienced at university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what has this taught me? I’ve learned that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to aid in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody anything, be genuine. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge I faced was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel less capable. A few strategies assisted me in managing those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you others are, too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the staff!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They are sympathetic to our struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us about our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the final stages of the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a student well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the support available to you. There’s no such thing as too much!
In conclusion, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be reduced with the support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.