Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead. 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 timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it may be one of your major worries. On my first day moving into my housing, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I was too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in comparable circumstances. So, what lesson did I absorb? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the outset of the year. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of icebreaker activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also grasped that if you can embody one trait, be authentic. There are so many diverse individuals across the program and university; you’re sure to encounter people like yourself.
A further challenge was handling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating similar circumstances. If something confuses you, I can nearly assure you that others share that confusion as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize that students face challenges. They are compassionate towards students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had sought it out earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I embraced 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 members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the support available to you. One can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased through the multitude of support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has illustrated that I’m never alone and how to savor my experiences amid challenges such as exams and deadlines.