Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not familiar to my formerly introverted and reserved self. Reflecting on the past year, I see it filled with personal growth, challenges, and enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my dorm, a few days before classes began, I spent the entirety of the day confined to my room because I was too apprehensive to go out and greet others. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had here at university and within this program. I’ve developed a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in small talk with individuals in comparable situations. So, what have I discovered? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is most beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t worry! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse population across the course and university, you’re certain to encounter people like you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was indeed a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. Several factors helped me through that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can nearly assure you that several others also find it confusing. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did step out of my comfort zone early in the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with faculty members, and this is certainly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support offered to you. There is no such thing as too much help!
Overall, this year has illuminated to me that feelings of apprehension, both leading up to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated by the wide array of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment amidst stresses like exams and deadlines.