Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my position now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more nerve-wracking elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant concern for you. On the day I moved into my dorm, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with a little casual conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I’ve learned that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and activities to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be yourself. With a plethora of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was unquestionably a significant jump from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can impact your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who also don’t. So, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and grasp the challenges students encounter. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication about our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t truly leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking chances earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to become acquainted with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are ample ways to connect with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this element of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never receive too much!
Ultimately, this year has illustrated to me that anxious feelings, both preceding and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the various support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself even when faced with pressures such as exams and deadlines.