Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year given me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be among your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to step outside and meet others. However, today I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what was my takeaway? I realized that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be abundant opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you should be anything, it’s to be yourself. With so many diverse individuals within the program and at the university, you’re sure to find those who share your vibe.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares your struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others also don’t. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to develop in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are extraordinary. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They sympathize with students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done it sooner. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it ranks among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be reduced with the various support avenues provided by faculty and fellow students. It’s demonstrated that I’m never truly alone and has taught me how to find joy amid pressures like exams and deadlines.