Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with 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 often one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your major concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, I can now assertively say I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in comparable circumstances. So, what have I learned? I realized it’s best to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also understood that if you can embody one thing, it should be authenticity. With a diverse range of people across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an increase from A-levels, and, in some aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe classmates studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you others feel the same. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had leveraged them earlier. I mentioned earlier the importance of taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This position allowed me to build relationships with the staff, which is tremendously advantageous. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the wide range of support available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.