Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, 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 unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize an academic year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gathered this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day of moving into my housing, a few days prior to the commencement of the semester, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too afraid to step out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve cultivated a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With so many varied individuals throughout the program and university, you are sure to discover those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant elevation from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me overcome that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They are sympathetic towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I noted taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance being provided. 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 mitigated with the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never by myself, and it’s demonstrated how to enjoy myself amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.