Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure of what was coming. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This certainly ranks as one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it could be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, being too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, do not fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to help you connect with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals within the course and the university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me combat that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is encountering similar challenges. If you are struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others grappling with the same issues. So, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next thought. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support being provided to you. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has imparted the lesson that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated through the plethora of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find joy alongside the stressors such as exams and deadlines.