By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not a scenario my previously timid and withdrawn self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year rich in personal development, obstacles, and an abundance of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day settling into my dorm, a few days ahead of the start of the term, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. Now, sitting here, I can assertively say that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with a bit of casual conversation with those in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I realized that making a move at the outset of the year is always the best course of action. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With the wide array of people present in the program and university, you’re likely to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors facilitated my navigation through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can nearly assure you that others are confused as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t shy away from asking for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They connect with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had leveraged them earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I did embrace one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for your benefit! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much help!
On a broader scale, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.