Authored by Dawson La, MEng in Materials Science and Engineering
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Entering into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be your primary concern. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days ahead of the semester starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to go out and introduce myself. However, I can now state with confidence that I have formed some of the best friendships I have ever had, here at this institution and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I realized? I discovered that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel completely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also found that being authentic is essential. With a plethora of diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was certainly an increase compared to A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you struggle with a concept, I can almost assure you that others do too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They relate to us and consistently communicate throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the support resources until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps previously – I did make one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best moves you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the available assistance. You can never have excessive support!
On the whole, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to find joy for myself even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.