Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I perceive a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and joy! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was socializing. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student perusing this, it might be among your main worries. On my initial day of moving into the residence, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker chances and activities to support your interaction with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a variety of people across the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a significant increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into that atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If there’s something you don’t grasp, I can nearly guarantee that others are also facing difficulties. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter challenges. They show understanding and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had started sooner. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never receive too much support!
In conclusion, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various support systems available from both staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun amidst challenges such as examinations and deadlines.