Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something the previously introverted and reserved version of myself was familiar with. As I reflect now, I recognize a year brimming with personal growth, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This aspect of commencing university is certainly one of the more intimidating parts, and if you’re reading as a future student, it’s likely something that concerns you. On my first day of moving into my dormitory, a few days ahead of the semester beginning, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too intimidated to venture out and greet anyone. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I have made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever had during my time at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I come to understand? I discovered that taking a bold step at the onset of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breakers and events to facilitate interaction with others. I also learned that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. The diversity of individuals within the program and the university ensures that you’ll meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I needed to overcome was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in several respects, a larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to building your confidence; you may observe others studying and question your own abilities. A few strategies helped me navigate those feelings, one being the realization that everyone shares similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that a number of others are too. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your initial year. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the challenges faced by students. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services available until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them sooner. I spoke earlier about making bold moves at the start; I did take one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most beneficial steps you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are typically baseless and can be diminished by the multitude of support resources available from staff and peers. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself while navigating stressors like exams and deadlines.