Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Exploring the unfamiliar was not something my former shy self was used to. As I look back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment. What insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently a significant worry for new college students. On my move-in day, I spent the whole time in my room, too afraid to step outside and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships at university and within my program. I discovered a second family at Imperial, simply by engaging in casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. The takeaway? It’s wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared, don’t fret—there are numerous ice-breakers and events designed to assist you in making connections. Be yourself, and you’ll find like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the academic load and the complexity of the material. The shift from A-levels was considerable, and the leap from the first to the second term was even larger. It’s easy to feel incompetent when it appears that others grasp concepts more swiftly. Keep in mind that everyone shares this experience. If something doesn’t make sense to you, others are likely struggling as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This is vital during your first year—reach out to peers and faculty!
The staff in Materials are wonderful. They genuinely want to see you succeed and understand the difficulties that students encounter. They keep in touch with us regarding our concerns. I did not fully leverage pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I took a step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my year, which allowed me to connect with staff—a highly beneficial experience. There are numerous ways to get to know the staff, and it is one of the best choices you can make for yourself. Make sure to utilize the support available; you can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety about university are often baseless and can be eased with the assistance of faculty and fellow students. I’ve discovered that I am never truly alone and how to have fun, even in the midst of exam pressure and deadlines.