Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, apprehensive, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges I encountered was the task of making friends. This is definitely one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and for those reading this as potential students, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day retreating in my room due to feeling too intimidated to go out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can assert that I’ve cultivated some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve developed a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with engaging in small talk with others in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the program and campus; you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another challenge I needed to tackle was the workload and complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be tough for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several things helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation as you. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that there are at least a few others who also don’t understand. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn during the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students can face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the support available to you. You can never have too much help!
In general terms, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it’s taught me how to find enjoyment despite stressors like exams and deadlines.