By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown wasn’t something my former shy and reserved personality was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable experiences. But what have I discovered, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was building friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my dorm, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too nervous to step out and meet new people. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I have ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, all starting from brief conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a step forward at the start of the year is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of opportunities and gatherings designed to help you engage with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse array of individuals in the program and university, you’re bound to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undeniably a significant increase from A-levels, and in some ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can shake your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. What assisted me in overcoming that feeling was the understanding that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly assure you that others do too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to 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 understand the challenges that students encounter. They relate to students and keep open communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before—I embarked on one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly important. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your academic journey! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased through the various support options provided by faculty and peers. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to balance enjoyment with stressors like exams and deadlines.