Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a journey of personal growth, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted upon me, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may rank among your top concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room due to feeling too daunted to go out and greet others. Sitting here now, I can assert that I have formed some of the best friendships of my life, here at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I glean from this experience? I discovered that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t quite feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate your connection with others. I also discovered that if there is one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With a plethora of diverse individuals across the program and the university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle I had to navigate was the volume of work and the complexity of the subject matter. The transition from A-levels was certainly significant, and in some respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being thrust into such an environment can shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most essential lesson to learn during your first year. Reach out for help from both your fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I certainly took one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your personal growth! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In broad terms, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the extensive support resources available from staff and peers. It’s shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.