Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was prepared for. Looking back on the past year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term started, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too scared to go out and meet others. However, today I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what lesson did I absorb? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker activities and events will be available to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, let it be your true self. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the program and the university, there’s a strong likelihood you’ll encounter others like you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant enhancement from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be detrimental to your confidence; seeing others study might make you feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in conquering that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, you can bet that others are equally perplexed. So, seek assistance. This may be the paramount lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They sympathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully 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 chances earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to leverage the support provided. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be diminished through the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow peers. It has taught me that I am never alone and has illustrated how to derive enjoyment from my experience, even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.