Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to start my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your largest concerns. On the first day I moved into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too fearful to venture out and connect with others. Now, I can assertively state that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I learn? I realized it’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events available to help you meet new people. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find others like you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can take a toll on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be one of the most crucial lessons to learn in your first year. Request help from both your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain continual dialogue about our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the support system available until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year wellness representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with the staff, and it’s one of the greatest things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has imparted the lesson that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are oftentimes baseless and can be eased with the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even when faced with pressures such as exams and deadlines.