Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back at the past year, I recognize a path of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days before the semester started, I spent the whole day concealing myself in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all kicked off with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the commencement of the year is always advantageous. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being in such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less than adequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling to grasp something, there are likely others who are too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb during your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges that students encounter. They relate to our experiences and maintain open communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until near the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. I talked about taking chances previously – I took a significant one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to establish connections with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s among the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has imparted to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated through the various support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to relish my time despite challenges like exams and deadlines.