Authored by Dawson La, Engineering and Materials Science (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the brink of commencing my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Diving headfirst into such an experience was far removed from my shy and reserved nature. Now, looking back, I can see that this academic year has been rich with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gained, and where do I currently stand?
One of the earliest and most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This undoubtedly ranks as one of the more intimidating elements of beginning university, and if you are a future student reading this, it may rank high on your list of concerns. On the inaugural day of moving into my lodgings, just a few days before classes began, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and greet others. However, as I sit here now, I can assertively claim that I have forged some of the finest friendships of my life here at this university and within this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in chatter with fellow students facing similar situations. So, what did I gain from this? I learned that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is beneficial. If you find yourself feeling unprepared or uneasy, worry not! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breakers and events to foster connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should strive to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who share your interests.
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the workload and complexity of the content. The transition from A-levels was quite significant, and in many ways, the leap from the first term to the second was even more drastic. Being thrust into such an environment can at times be daunting for one’s self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me manage that sensation, one being the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find yourself puzzled by a topic, I can almost assure you that there are several others in the same boat. Therefore, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to comprehend during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask your peers and faculty for help!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until later in the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous steps you can take for yourself! My key lesson regarding this aspect of university life is to fully embrace the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has imparted the understanding that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated by the extensive array of support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.