Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt apprehensive and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! So what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and for any prospective students reading this, it may be one of your greatest anxieties. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day in my room as I felt too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all stemming from casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what’s the lesson? I found that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to embody, it’s being true to yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find peers who share your interests.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be tough on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel unworthy. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is in a similar situation. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who are facing the same challenge. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be one of the most crucial lessons to learn in your first year. Reach out to your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They are committed to your success and understand that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the support services until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking chances at the beginning; I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build rapport with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the resources available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment in conjunction with stressors such as exams and deadlines.