By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to start my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown wasn’t exactly something my previously shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize an academic journey brimming with personal growth, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most stressful challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly a daunting aspect of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your chief concerns. On my first day moving into my dormitory, just days before the semester commenced, I spent an entire day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and greet others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever established, both within this university and in this program. I have created a second family here at Imperial, and it merely required initiating some small conversations with fellow students sharing similar experiences. So, what did I come to understand? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate interaction with others. I also learned that if you can embody anything, be authentic. There’s a diverse range of individuals across the program and university; you are sure to discover people who resonate with you.
While navigating the workload and the complexity of materials was another significant challenge. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a challenging environment may not always be favorable for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that there are several others who are also confused. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to flourish and understand that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain open communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the supportive resources until later in the year, but I wish I had utilized them earlier. I mentioned before about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year when I stepped up to be a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues for familiarizing yourself with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this particular segment of university life is to fully leverage the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has imparted the understanding that anxious emotions, both prior to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated with the multitude of support options provided by both staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to have fun amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.