Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresher. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was prepared for. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most formidable hurdles was establishing friendships. This indeed is one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student reading this, it might be among your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too apprehensive to step out and meet others. However, today, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with light conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I gathered from this experience? I found that it’s always advantageous to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events to facilitate your connections with others. Additionally, I learned that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
A further challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being propelled into such a dynamic environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you may observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. Several strategies aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone shares the same struggles. If something confuses you, I can nearly guarantee others are experiencing the same. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to internalize in the first year. Reach out for help from both your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in the Materials department are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the support services until late in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I previously mentioned about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the smartest things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this part of university is to fully utilize the support that’s available to you. You can never have an excess of help!
In conclusion, this year has made it clear to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the diverse support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never truly alone and has taught me how to enjoy life alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.