Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I stood on the verge of beginning my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and where do I find myself now?
One of the primary and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of starting university, and if you are perusing this as a potential student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can say with confidence that I have forged some of the finest friendships during my time at university and in my course. I have found a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals facing similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that making the first move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t believe you’re prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse range of people across the course and the university, you’re sure to find kindred spirits.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a progression from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being immersed in such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me push through this sensation, one being the realization that everyone is navigating the same waters. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others are facing similar struggles. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most vital lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter challenges. They resonate with students’ experiences and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to engage with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. There’s no such thing as too much assistance!
All in all, this year has demonstrated that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and has taught me how to enjoy myself in spite of stressors such as exams and deadlines.