By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Twelve months ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future as I began my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into such an unfamiliar situation was not typical for my previously introverted and reserved nature. Reflecting on the past year, I can see it has been filled with personal growth, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what lessons have I gained this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges was establishing friendships. This is often one of the more stressful elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day moving into dorms, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, intimidated by the thought of venturing out and introducing myself to others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had during my time at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous icebreaker events and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of people in the program and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some instances, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to building confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. Several strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, it’s almost certain others are in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and your instructors!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to get acquainted with the staff members, which proves to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the smartest things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support you receive. You can never have too much of it!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unjustified and can be mitigated by the numerous support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.