By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was poised to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into uncharted territory wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year teeming with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. However, today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve established some of the finest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in the same situation. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a risk at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking gatherings to assist you in connecting with others. I also understood that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse crowd across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant leap from the first semester to the second. Being amidst such an environment can be hard on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel unqualified. A few strategies helped me navigate this, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most essential lesson to embrace in the first year. Ask for help from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to another point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They relate to students and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.