Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and how do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, merely days before the semester started, I spent the whole time sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet anyone. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and within my course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s advantageous to take a chance at the start of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaking activities to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being your true self is essential. With such a wide range of individuals across the course and university, you are destined to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the demanding workload and the complexity of the content. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can be taxing on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of factors assisted me in overcoming this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t fully exploit the supportive resources until late in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the available support. You can never have an excess!
In summary, this year has illuminated for me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be diminished with the numerous support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and taught me how to find joy despite pressures like exams and deadlines.