Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university can be particularly daunting, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be among your greatest worries. On the inaugural day of moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet people. Sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of casual conversation with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a bold step at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist in connecting with others. I also found that if you can choose one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals in the program and the university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes challenge your self-esteem; you may observe peers studying and feel inadequate. A couple of things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If something confounds you, I can nearly assure that there are others who also don’t grasp it. So, seek assistance. This could be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to become acquainted with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My principal lesson from this part of university life is to seize the support you are provided. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased through the various support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated, and it has illustrated how to find joy despite stressors like exams and deadlines.