Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, frightened, and uncertain about the path ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the unknown wasn’t exactly in my nature as someone who had previously been shy and reserved. Reflecting on the year, I recognize an academic journey filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing trials I encountered was forming friendships. This certainly ranks as one of the more intimidating aspects of beginning university, and for those reading this as potential students, it might be a top concern for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, overwhelmed by the thought of venturing out and greeting others. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with others in the same situation as me. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events that encourage interaction with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to embrace, it’s authenticity. With such a diverse group of individuals within the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I had to overcome was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was certainly noticeable, and in many ways, the leap from the first term to the second was even more significant. Being thrust into such a challenging environment isn’t always the best for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few factors helped me cope with those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation as you. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost guarantee at least a few others feel the same. So, it’s essential to seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Don’t hesitate to request support from your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They connect with us throughout the year to address our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – one such leap I made at the beginning of the year was stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster relationships with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with the staff, and this is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this particular aspect of university life is to fully utilize the support available to you. There’s always room for more!
Overall, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the multitude of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to balance enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.