By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year rich with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gleaned this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your major worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room because I was too daunted to go out and meet new people. However, as I sit here today, I can confidently state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversation with fellow students in similar situations. So, what did I understand? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. There’s such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and the level of difficulty of the content. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting doesn’t always boost your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few elements aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling with something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a handful of others who are as well. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to adopt in your first year. Ask for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They are empathetic towards students and maintain continuous communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to interact with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to leverage the support being provided to you. You can never have too much!
In general, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated with the numerous support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment amidst the stressors like exams and deadlines.