Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what the future held. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into uncharted territory was not something my once timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often a significant concern when starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days ahead of the term kicking off, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet people. However, sitting here today, I am proud to say I’ve established some of the best friendships I’ve ever known at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be plenty of networking activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, be authentic. With such a diverse crowd across the course and the university, you’re sure to find like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me cope with that feeling, one being the assurance that everyone else is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can nearly promise that others are grappling with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty for support!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges that students encounter. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support services until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized them earlier. I spoke of taking chances earlier—I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the help available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated with the support available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.