Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt overwhelmed with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar wasn’t something my formerly timid and reserved nature was prepared for. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what knowledge did this year bring, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a potential student, it may be a major source of anxiety. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I confined myself to my room all day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I can proudly say I’ve formed some remarkable friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all by striking up casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that stepping out of your comfort zone at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, that’s perfectly fine! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities designed to facilitate connections. I also discovered that being genuine is fundamental. With such a diverse group of individuals in the course and at the university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first to the second semester. Being in this type of environment can challenge your self-esteem; observing others study might make you feel less capable. What supported me was the realization that everyone is in a similar position. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are struggling as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most vital lesson of the first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my following point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the difficulties students encounter. They are compassionate and maintain ongoing communication regarding our issues. 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 earlier about taking leaps – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to form connections with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best advantages you can give yourself! My main takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It revealed to me that I am never alone and illustrated how to have fun even amidst pressures like examinations and deadlines.