Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of beginning my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most formidable hurdles was establishing friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student perusing this, it may be one of your greatest anxieties. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the semester, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step outside and meet others. However, today I can assertively say I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual interactions with people facing similar experiences. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that making an effort to reach out at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not quite ready or at ease, no worries! There will be plenty of opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one key thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a increase from A-levels, and in many ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can be tough for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few strategies helped me rise above that sentiment, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that there are others who share your confusion. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb during your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They are invested in your success and truly understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy towards us and consistently communicate throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the support services until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with them earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I did take a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to capitalize on the resources offered to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has illuminated for me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the variety of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never solitary and how to savor my time despite pressures like examinations and deadlines.