Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to begin my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was ready for. Looking back, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! So, 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 frightening elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your top concerns. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days ahead of the semester start, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too scared to go out and interact with others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life here at the university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with light conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody anything, be authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals within the course and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was coping with the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and to some extent, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a challenging environment can be hard on your self-esteem; you might notice others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate this sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is grappling with similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense, I can almost guarantee that others are facing difficulties too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the supportive resources until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had engaged sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I took one at the onset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to forge connections with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to establish rapport with staff, and it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the help available. There’s no such thing as too much support!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated, and it has taught me how to enjoy my time despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.