Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the deep end was certainly not something my formerly timid and introverted self was used to. Reflecting back, I see a year abundant with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges was finding friends. This is undeniably one of the more intimidating parts of starting university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be your biggest concern. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term start, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I felt too daunted to step out and greet others. Sitting here today, though, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I have created a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversation with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I’ve realized that it’s always advantageous to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t feeling completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate your interaction with peers. I’ve also discovered that if you can be anything, be genuine. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who share your interests.
Another challenge was the amount of work and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in many ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that emotion, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that several others don’t either. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They wish for you to succeed and understand that students encounter difficulties. They show compassion towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until the year wrapped up, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to fully utilize the assistance being offered to you. You’ll never have too much!
In general, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the multitude of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself in the midst of stressful situations such as exams and deadlines.