Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a new student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back, I now see a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most formidable challenges was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it might rank among your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too intimidated to step out and meet others. Yet, as I sit here today, I can state with confidence that I’ve developed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I have established a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel entirely ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, let it be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university; you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was significant, and in some respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even greater. Being thrust into such an environment can occasionally be tough on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel as though you’re not measuring up. A few strategies assisted me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If something is unclear, I can nearly assure you that there are others who are also confused. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the struggles students face. They empathize with us and maintain open communication about our challenges throughout the year. I didn’t take full advantage of the support services until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had begun earlier. I initially discussed taking chances – I did take one at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s unquestionably one of the best choices you can make for your well-being! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In a broader context, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated by the wide array of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and has shown me how to relish my experiences alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.