Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 formerly shy and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was the process of making friends. This is frequently one of the most frightening parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be a significant worry for you. On my moving-in day, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. Now, I can confidently say I’ve formed some of the best friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what have I discovered? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being authentic is crucial. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you are bound to encounter kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was the demands of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can shake your self-assurance; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. What assisted me was recalling that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others do too. So, do not hesitate to seek help. This could be the most vital skill to nurture in your first year. Reach out to both peers and staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us about our difficulties. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I did so by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have an excess of that!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. I’ve learned I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.