Authored by Dawson La, MEng in Materials Science and Engineering
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid self was used to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On the day I moved into my residence, just days before the semester commenced, I remained in my room the entire time, feeling too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Today, I can proudly assert that I’ve developed some of the most meaningful friendships at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t worry! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
An additional hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an elevation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant shift from the first term to the second. Being in such a challenging environment can be hard on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something doesn’t click, I can nearly guarantee that others are puzzled too. So, seek assistance. This might be the single most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties that students encounter. They empathize with students and maintain open lines of communication about our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the finest actions you can take for yourself! My principal takeaway from this facet of university is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst challenges such as exams and deadlines.