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 verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I reflect upon an academic year filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was making connections. This certainly ranks among the more daunting elements of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your major apprehensions. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, far too anxious to step out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I have created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of networking opportunities and events to assist you in meeting new people. I also discovered that if you can be one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
That leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is incredible. They are invested in your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had sooner. I spoke earlier about taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the support offered to you. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are almost always baseless and can be eased with the various support systems made available by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.