Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future as I readied myself to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Navigating into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment. So, what have I learned, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This component of commencing university can be daunting, and prospective students might be most concerned about it. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, right before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to go outside and meet others. Now, I can assertively say I’ve established some of the most wonderful friendships here at the university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? Taking a risk at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. Also, just be yourself. With such a wide range of unique individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and complexity of the material. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can impact your self-esteem; you might feel inadequate when comparing yourself to others. What assisted me was the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, others likely find it perplexing as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This is perhaps the most critical lesson to internalize in the first year. Reach out for help from peers and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and grasp the challenges students encounter. They are understanding and maintain ongoing dialogue with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the supportive guidance until the close of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking risks previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are countless ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the finest actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson is to make the most of the offered support. You can never have an excess!
In summary, this year has imparted to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the assistance available from staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy despite pressures like exams and deadlines.