Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year rich with personal development, obstacles, and immense fun! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re reading this as an aspiring student, it might rank among your top worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day hiding in my room as I felt too intimidated to step out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I have forged some of the best friendships of my life at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I uncover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was balancing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely an increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into this type of environment isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors helped me navigate those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can almost assure you that several others feel the same. So, ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both in the lead-up to and during university, are almost always misplaced and can be mitigated by the various support systems available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and illustrated how to have fun alongside the inevitable stressors like exams and deadlines.