Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, 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 first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of self-discovery, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting factors of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your top worries. On my first day of moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day staying in my room, too afraid to go out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever encountered here at university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversation with those in similar circumstances. So, what’s the takeaway? I learned that taking a step forward at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and activities to aid you in connecting with others. I have also discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With a multitude of diverse individuals throughout the program and campus, you’re sure to discover those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was handling the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting can be tough on your self-esteem; witnessing others study may leave you feeling inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you find something confusing, I can almost assure you that others are in the same boat. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. They sympathize with students and ensure ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned before about taking leaps – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary insight from this part of university life is to fully utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be alleviated with the numerous support avenues provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to have a good time despite stressors like exams and deadlines.