Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my former shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back over the last academic year, I recognize a journey rich with personal development, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I confronted was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it could very well be one of your largest worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of classes, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve cultivated some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I learn? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there’s no need to fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with peers. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With a diverse array of individuals across the course and the university, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I had to navigate was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting isn’t always easy on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things assisted me in dealing with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you there are others who also find it perplexing. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show sympathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the supportive resources until the year’s end, but I wish I had accessed them sooner. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take one at the year’s start by serving as a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has illuminated the fact that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are nearly always unjustified and can be eased by the various support systems accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has instructed me on how to enjoy myself while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.