By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I see a journey full of personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what lessons has this past year imparted, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I encountered was making connections with others. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating factors of beginning university, and if you’re considering this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On the first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room due to feeling too daunted to venture out and greet others. Yet today, I can assert with confidence that I have formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it merely required engaging in light conversation with others facing similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the year’s beginning. If you’re not feeling entirely ready or at ease, that’s alright! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and activities to facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that if there is one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse mix of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to meet like-minded people.
Another hurdle was managing the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even steeper transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always boost your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you struggle to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that there are at least a few individuals who are equally confused. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter challenges. They relate to our struggles and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I embarked on one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to seize the opportunities for help that are presented to you. You can never have too much support!
Ultimately, this year has illuminated for me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be alleviated through the abundant support options provided by both faculty and fellow students. It’s shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to savor my experiences while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.