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 my future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved character was used to. Now, looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a significant amount of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be among your greatest concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, both at this institution and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with some casual conversations with people facing similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if there is one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse variety of individuals across the program and university, you’ll surely meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. Several factors assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you are struggling with something, I can almost guarantee that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial thing to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t really tap into the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had sooner. I spoke about taking chances earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to get to know faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have an excess!
All in all, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun despite stressors like exams and deadlines.