Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Engaging with the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most daunting hurdles was establishing friendships. This undoubtedly ranks among the more intimidating challenges of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I secluded myself in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can say with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, initiated by casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also learned that if there is one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and the university, you are bound to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and start to feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can almost assure you that there are others who are equally perplexed. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take away from your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy toward students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our struggles. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. As I mentioned earlier, I took a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best benefits you can provide yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to utilize the resources available to you. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support systems offered by faculty and peers. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to balance enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.