Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nervousness, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink 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 filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the foremost and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On the day I moved into my housing, just days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends I could have hoped for, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can be one thing, be true to yourself. There are so many diverse individuals within the program and the university; you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. Some factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one of which was the reminder that everyone is in the same position. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others are also puzzled. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp during the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They wish for you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show compassion towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the academic year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take a significant one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance you’re offered. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be mitigated with the many support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has revealed to me how to enjoy myself alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.