Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, 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 freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my once timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and loads of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and where do I stand now?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This undoubtedly ranks as one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to emerge and meet new people. Now, however, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in comparable circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking occasions and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With the wide array of individuals in the program and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a marked increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can be tough on your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me overcome that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that others are also grappling with it. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to acquire during your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are absolutely fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until late in the year, but I wish I had engaged with them sooner. I mentioned taking chances earlier – I did embark on one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to build connections with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to establish rapport with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support you’re provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased with the myriad of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone and has shown me how to enjoy life even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.