Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my once-timid and reserved nature embraced. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often ranks among the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it could be a significant worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step outside and interact with others. Today, though, I can proudly state that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a surrogate family at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I realize? I realized that taking a leap at the year’s outset is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. Additionally, I discovered that if you have the chance to be anyone, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an atmosphere can challenge your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the acknowledgment that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear, I can nearly assure you that others feel the same way. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Reach out for support from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are extraordinary. They genuinely want you to flourish and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They relate to student concerns and keep open lines of communication regarding our struggles. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with faculty, and it’s one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the many support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has enlightened me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.