Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman student. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year bring, and what is my position now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as a potential student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my housing, just days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Yet today, I can assertively state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the start of the year. If you’re not feeling quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embrace one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to find people like you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a clear enhancement from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting isn’t always simple for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several aspects assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the awareness that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support system until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s surely one of the best things you can do for your personal growth! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated through the various support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself even amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.