Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I see a time rich in personal development, challenges, and immense joy! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are a future student, it may be one of your top worries. On my inaugural day of moving into my housing, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assertively say I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known, here at this institution and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with fellow students in comparable circumstances. So, what did I take away from this experience? It’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be ample ice-breaker activities and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse mix of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I faced was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a jump from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an atmosphere can test your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also don’t get it. Thus, seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They are sympathetic to our struggles and maintain open lines of communication with us year-round about our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support available to me until the year’s end, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish rapport with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s undeniably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to seize the opportunities for assistance that are provided. You can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never isolated, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment even amid stressors such as examinations and deadlines.