Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fear-inducing aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day in my room, far too daunted to step out and meet others. Today, however, I can confidently assert that I’ve made some of the greatest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with those in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you have the chance to be anything, be your authentic self. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and the university, you’re sure to encounter others who share your interests.
Another challenge was the rigorous workload and complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting isn’t always great for your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who don’t as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the abundant support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy amid pressures like exams and deadlines.