Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into new situations was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I see a year abundant in personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your main worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before the semester started, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too frightened to step out and introduce myself to anyone. Sitting here now, I can say with confidence that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there’s no need to worry! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker opportunities and events aimed at helping you connect with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of factors assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you find something confusing, I can nearly guarantee that others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain open communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is extremely valuable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for your advancement! My key takeaway from this element of university life is to make full use of the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both in the lead-up to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased through the various support avenues available from faculty and fellow students. It has made me realize that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite stressors like exams and deadlines.