Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was apprehensive, anxious, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Immersing myself into such an unfamiliar situation wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting now, I perceive a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges was establishing friendships. This is surely one of the more overwhelming aspects of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day secluding myself in my room due to being too intimidated to venture out and greet others. As I sit here today, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was some casual conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what came out of this experience? I realized it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the start of the year. If you’re not feeling entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate your interactions with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With the diversity present among the students in the program and university, you’re sure to encounter people like you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee there are at least several others who feel the same. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Request help from both your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s definitely one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this part of university life is to make the most of the assistance being offered. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated with the vast array of support options from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.