Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the brink of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was far from what my formerly shy and reserved persona was used to. As I reflect on the past academic year, I observe a path of personal growth, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days ahead of classes starting, I spent the entire time sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Today, I can say with confidence that I’ve built some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with people sharing similar experiences. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker activities to help you engage with others. I also found that staying true to yourself is essential. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re likely to encounter those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was handling the workload and the complexity of the subject matter. 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 placed in such a challenging setting can test your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. What assisted me in overcoming this sensation was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re grappling with a concept, I can almost assure you that others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most essential lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely care about your success and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They relate to our experiences and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I referenced taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to reach out to faculty, and it’s one of the most advantageous decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the aid available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often misplaced and can be eased through the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.