Penned by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future as I got ready to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and fun. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is often a primary worry for new college students, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may also be a concern for you. On my initial day moving into my housing, a few days prior to classes commencing, I remained in my room the entire day, too daunted to step outside and meet people. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the finest friends here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with those in similar situations. What did I realize? It’s advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker activities designed to help you connect with others. Additionally, if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With a diverse crowd in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
A further challenge was handling the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly an increase from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming this, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you others are in the same boat. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges that students encounter. They relate to us and keep open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I’d done so much earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson is to leverage the support offered. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the assistance available from faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never on my own and shown me how to enjoy my time notwithstanding the pressures of exams and deadlines.