Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously bashful and introverted personality was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, though, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the most wonderful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others facing similar situations. So, what have I gleaned? I discovered that it’s always wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous icebreaker events and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you are sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I faced was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always a confidence booster; observing others studying might leave you feeling inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation as you. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can practically assure you that several others also don’t understand it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This transitions me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. 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 about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I did take one early on by serving as a well-being rep for my year. This role allowed me to connect with staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are countless ways to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the support being offered. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment, even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.