Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I felt anxious, scared, and uncertain about what lay ahead. 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 previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current position?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was making new friends. This is unquestionably one of the more daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it could be one of your major worries. On my first day moving into my residence, just a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room because I felt too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can state with confidence that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I found out that it’s always best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and activities to help you engage with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With so many unique individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who are equally puzzled. So, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are amazing. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding toward students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did make one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with faculty members, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the abundant support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to enjoy myself despite the stressors such as exams and deadlines.