Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to begin my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Upon reflection, I recognize a year that has been abundant in personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This undoubtedly ranks as one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you are a future student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to emerge and meet others. However, today, I can proudly assert that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that making an effort at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that being authentic is essential. With so many varied personalities across the course and university, you’re bound to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of coursework and the complexity of the material. There was a significant jump from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting is not always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear to you, I can almost promise that others feel the same. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the freshman year. Reach out to peers and faculty for support!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show empathy towards students and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the beginning of the year by serving as a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to engage with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous methods to connect with faculty, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to seize the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support systems available from faculty and classmates. It has illustrated to me that I am never truly alone and has taught me how to enjoy myself in the face of pressures like exams and deadlines.