By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Facing the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved persona was used to. Looking back over the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, this may be a significant worry. On my first day of moving into my residence, just days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day staying in my room, too scared to go out and interact with anyone. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this institution and within this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what lesson did I learn? I discovered that taking initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events aimed at helping you meet others. I also found that being authentic is essential. With the diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those you connect with.
A further challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a noticeable shift from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can really shake your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me navigate these feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If there’s something you don’t understand, I can nearly guarantee that others are grappling with the same issue. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty for support!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize the challenges students encounter. They sympathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral care until the end of the year, but I wish I had done it sooner. I spoke of taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the outset of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with staff, and it’s among the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.