Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my once-timid self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past academic year, I observe a path of personal growth, obstacles, and much enjoyment. But what insights have I garnered, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This remains one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it could be a significant worry. On my initial day settling into my housing, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Now, I am pleased to say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what was the lesson learned? I realized that taking risks at the start of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is vital. With so many diverse individuals in the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and complexity of the content. There was a striking increase from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first to the second term. Being in such an atmosphere can be challenging to your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was recalling that everyone is in similar circumstances. If you don’t grasp something, chances are others don’t either. Therefore, don’t hesitate to request help. This may be the most crucial lesson in the first year. Seek support from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They are empathetic and maintain steady communication with us throughout the year. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, yet I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me connect with the faculty, which is priceless. There are various avenues to engage with staff, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious emotions, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed that I am never alone and taught me how to find joy even amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.