Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, 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 unfamiliar was not something my once shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the semester, I spent the whole day in my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly affirm that I’ve made some of the finest friends here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I absorb? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is essential. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, do not fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to help you connect with others. I also discovered that being authentic is vital. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the coursework and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant transition from A-levels, and in some ways, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me during this period, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can nearly assure you that others are struggling with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish connections with the faculty, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s among the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxious feelings leading up to and throughout university are often unwarranted and can be mitigated with the support available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never isolated and has taught me how to find joy despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.