Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was preparing to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Engaging with the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I realize it has been a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be a significant worry for you. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet anyone. However, today I can say with certainty that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others facing similar experiences. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be many ice-breaking events designed to help you connect with peers. I also learned that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of people in the course and university, you’re sure to find those with similar interests.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the subject matter. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can test your confidence; you might observe others studying and start to feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate this, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost guarantee others are struggling too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to excel and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and consistently communicate throughout the year regarding any difficulties. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main lesson from this facet of university life is to make the most of the available support. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and throughout university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone and how to have a good time, even when faced with pressures like exams and deadlines.