By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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. Embracing the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too nervous to step out and introduce myself to others. Yet, today I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all of which originated from engaging in small talk with peers in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker occasions and activities to aid you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you should be anything, it should be true to yourself. With a multitude of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely an increase in rigor from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you find something confusing, I can almost assure you that there are others who do as well. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to internalize in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
That leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take one 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 incredibly important. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university life, are often baseless and can be alleviated by the multitude of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.