Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I experienced anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your largest concerns. On my first day of settling into accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day hiding in my room because I was too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can confidently state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you forge connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse array of people across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel out of place. A few things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee there are others who are equally puzzled. So, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty within Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university life is to seize the resources available. You can never have too much support!
On a broader scale, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary, and it has demonstrated how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.