Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was feeling anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved personality was accustomed to. Reflecting back, I now recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and enjoyable experiences! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating aspects of commencing university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day concealed in my room due to feeling too daunted to venture out and greet others. However, as I sit here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and all it took was initiating casual conversations with fellow students in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always kind to your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares your struggles. If you find something challenging, I can nearly guarantee that several others do as well. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for support!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want to see you succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take 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 opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly 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 being provided. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both in anticipation of and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated through the various support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment amidst stressful situations like exams and deadlines.