Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown was not something my previously reserved and timid self was familiar with. Reflecting back, I now see a year filled with academic development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student reading this, it might be your main concern. On my initial day moving into my dorm, a few days prior to term beginning, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. As I sit here today, I can proudly say that I have formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I have built a second family at Imperial, and it only required engaging in small conversations with fellow students in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker activities and events will be available to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always a boost for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several things helped me cope with that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something isn’t clear, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who share that confusion. So, ask for assistance. This may very well be the most critical lesson to learn in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the teaching staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They are invested in your success and understand that students face challenges. They connect with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had discovered it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely valuable. There are many avenues to get to know faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best investments you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this part of university is to make full use of the support that is available to you. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the numerous support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun in the midst of stressors like exams and deadlines.