Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I realize I’ve experienced a year abundant in personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
One of the initial and most intimidating tasks was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your main concerns. On my first day moving into my dorm, several days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had 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 peers in similar situations. So, what did I gather? I discovered that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of icebreaker events and opportunities to help you engage with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, it should be authenticity. With a diverse array of individuals throughout the program and university, you are sure to connect with those who share your interests.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable escalation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment doesn’t always do wonders for your confidence; seeing others study may leave you feeling inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate through that feeling, one being the realization that everyone shares similar struggles. If you’re confused about something, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances at the onset; I took one by serving as a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has illuminated for me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the array of support resources from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to find joy amidst challenges such as exams and deadlines.