Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, apprehensive, and uncertain 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 timid and reserved nature was ready for. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gathered this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my housing, a few days prior to the semester’s start, I spent an entire day sequestered in my room due to my apprehension about leaving and meeting new people. However, sitting here today, I can proudly affirm that I’ve created some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this institution and within my course. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it merely required starting conversations with those in similar positions. So, what did I discover? I realized that embarking on that leap at the year’s beginning is always beneficial. If you’re not quite feeling ready or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking activities and events to assist your connections with others. I also learned that above all, it’s essential to be yourself. With the vast diversity of individuals within the course and university; you are sure to find peers who resonate with you.
Another barrier I had to surpass was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging to your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A couple of things helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re confused about something, I can nearly guarantee there are at least several others who share that confusion. So, seek assistance. This may actually be the most pivotal lesson to learn throughout the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students face challenges. They are sympathetic to student needs and maintain ongoing communication with us about our concerns throughout the entire year. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I made one early in the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to embrace the support that’s being offered. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be eased through the multitude of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself despite the stressors such as exams and deadlines.