Authored by Dawson La, Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current position?
One of the primary and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be among your largest concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the semester starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too nervous to step out and introduce myself to others. Nevertheless, sitting here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the onset of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, do not stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and gatherings to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the demanding workload and the complexity of the material. The shift from A-levels was quite significant, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly promise that others also do not understand. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson in the first year. Request help from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I made 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 incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know the staff, and it’s definitely one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My principal takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the help available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In a broader sense, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated with the multitude of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst stressful elements such as exams and deadlines.