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 previously introverted and quiet self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and tons of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was establishing friendships. This is definitely one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of classes kicking off, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. However, I can now state with confidence that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships ever, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with a bit of casual conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to assist in making connections. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a notable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an environment can be hard on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re puzzled by something, I can almost assure you others are as well. So, seek assistance. This could very well be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Look for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and engage in continuous communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support resources until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized them earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this dimension of university is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the diverse support avenues accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.