Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving straight in wasn’t something my previously introverted and reserved nature was accustomed to. Reflecting on this past academic year, I see a period rich in personal growth, challenges, and immense enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forming friendships. This is definitely one of the more intimidating facets of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day moving into my dormitory, a few days before classes began, I spent the entire day retreating in my room because I felt too overwhelmed to venture out and greet others. Looking back now, I can confidently say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever encountered, here at this university and in this program. I have discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was initiating casual conversations with individuals in similar positions. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that it’s best to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for breaking the ice and events to facilitate social interactions. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse range of people across the program and university, you’re bound to come across individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge involved the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some instances, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment may not always boost your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me during that period, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who share the same confusion. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the difficulties students face. They connect with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support system until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did make a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to build relationships with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support being offered. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has enlightened me to the fact that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated by the plethora of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to balance enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.