Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding my future. 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 former shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back at the previous academic year, I perceive a transformation of personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it could be one of your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day confined to my room, far too anxious to go out and meet others. Nonetheless, today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I realized it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker situations and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and campus, you are sure to encounter individuals similar to you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also find it unclear. So, be sure to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned making courageous moves earlier – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the multitude of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment in myself despite pressures like exams and deadlines.