Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I see a path of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be a significant worry for you. During my first day moving into my housing, just days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself. However, today I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I learn? I learned that it’s important to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be plenty of opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase in difficulty from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies assisted me through that sensation, one being the reminder that we’re all in this together. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others share the same confusion. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and realize that students face difficulties. They are sympathetic toward students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned jumping in earlier – I took that step at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance that’s available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often irrational and can be lessened with the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself amidst challenges such as exams and deadlines.