Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyable experiences! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my situation now?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This undoubtedly ranks as one of the more daunting components of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it may be a major concern for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to go out and introduce myself. However, as of today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I grasp? I learned that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you are to be one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re likely to encounter those who share your mindset.
Another challenge revolved around handling the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a notable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be taxing on your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A couple of factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you others don’t either. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the single most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned previously about taking bold steps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support avenues provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy despite pressures like exams and deadlines.