Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Taking the plunge was not something my previously shy and reserved nature was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a period of personal growth, challenges, and enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges was establishing friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an aspiring student, it might be a significant concern for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I felt too intimidated to go out and greet others. However, sitting here now, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all started with small conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate interactions with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s to be yourself. There are so many varied individuals throughout the course and the university; you are certain to encounter like-minded people.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes be challenging for your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares your struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that there are at least several others who are facing the same difficulty. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to acquire during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students face challenges. They empathize with us and keep an open line of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I did not fully utilize the support services until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier. I mentioned at the outset about taking risks – I did take a risk at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In broader terms, this year has taught me that feelings of unease, both prior to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be mitigated by the wealth of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.