Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, 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 unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I realize I’ve experienced a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the most frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student, it might be one of your major concerns. On my initial day of moving into my housing, a few days prior to the start of the semester, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar scenarios. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker moments and events to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, just be yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can impact your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few elements assisted me through that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is navigating through the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you there are others who also lack understanding. Hence, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek guidance from your fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show compassion toward students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really leverage the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I took a significant one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the resources available. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.