Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the path ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, hurdles, and enjoyable experiences! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating facets of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be among your greatest concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of semester, I spent the whole day secluded in my room due to feeling too scared to go out and greet others. Now, sitting here, I can affirm that I’ve forged some of the most wonderful friendships of my life, here at this university and within this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversation with individuals in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t feeling prepared or at ease, don’t worry! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s to be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the materials. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to building confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with this sentiment, one of which was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who feel the same. So, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and instructors!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in the Materials department are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They are empathetic toward students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year concerning our issues. I didn’t truly utilize the support services until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary insight from this university experience is to fully utilize the assistance being offered. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has illustrated that feelings of apprehension, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always unfounded, and can be alleviated through the extensive support available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never isolated, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.