Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with academic development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be one of the most frightening elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be your primary concern. On the initial day of moving into my residence, just a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Yet today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all originated with casual conversations with people in similar predicaments. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I faced was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can impact your self-esteem; you might see peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone experiences similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are confused as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek help from both 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 acknowledge that students encounter difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep open lines of communication throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t utilize the support services until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier—I did step out of my comfort zone at the year’s beginning by becoming a well-being representative. This role enabled me to engage with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated with the support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has illustrated to me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.