Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be your largest concern. On my first day of moving into the dormitory, a few days ahead of the semester starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here now, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find others like you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always a boost to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me through that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is on the same path. If you don’t comprehend something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t either. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They desire for you to succeed and recognize that students encounter challenges. They show compassion towards students and keep open lines of communication with us concerning our issues throughout the academic year. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking bold steps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are ample opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
In general, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be mitigated by the abundance of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.