Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most formidable challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your most significant worries. On the initial day of moving into housing, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too intimidated to venture out and socialize. However, today I can assert with confidence that I have forged some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what have I discovered? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breakers to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the demands of the coursework and the difficulty of the material. There was a marked increase in intensity from A-levels, and even more so from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was recalling that everyone shares the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, it’s likely that others don’t either. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson of the first year. Request help from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and are aware of the difficulties that students encounter. They empathize and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year. I didn’t fully leverage the support services until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances previously – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is extraordinarily beneficial. There are many ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the resources available. You can never have too much backing!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of apprehension, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to find joy even in the face of stressors like exams and deadlines.