Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more nerve-wracking elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step outside and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I come to understand? I realized that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you aren’t quite prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that staying true to yourself is essential. With a plethora of diverse individuals throughout the program and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even bigger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and instructors!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students contend with. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find enjoyment despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.