Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 once timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what’s my current standing?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of embarking on university life, and if you’re an incoming student perusing this, it might be one of your major worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, though, I can proudly assert that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I realize? I found out that taking a chance right at the beginning of the year is always the smartest move. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events designed to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be your authentic self. With such a multitude of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of content. There was indeed a significant transition from A-levels, and in several ways, an even larger leap 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 inferior. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost guarantee there are others who feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in the first year. Look for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to us and keep consistent communication throughout the year concerning our difficulties. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking chances earlier – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get to know the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance you’re given. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various support systems offered by staff and peers. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.