Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was poised to embark on my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Reflecting back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This aspect of commencing university can certainly be one of the more daunting, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my inaugural day moving into the residence halls, a few days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, too apprehensive to step out and greet others. Nevertheless, sitting here now, I can say with assurance that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with engaging in light conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate interactions with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be authentic. With so many varied individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a notable shift from A-levels, and in several aspects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you might observe peers studying and start to doubt your own abilities. A few strategies helped me navigate those feelings, one being the assurance that everyone is in a similar situation. If you find something confusing, I can almost promise there are others who feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from fellow students and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They are empathetic and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until much later in the year, and I regret not doing so sooner. I mentioned previously about taking risks – I took one at the outset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty members, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for your own success! My key takeaway from this element of university life is to capitalize on the assistance that is being provided to you. You can never have too much support!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated through the plentiful support options available from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has helped me learn how to have fun even amidst stresses like exams and deadlines.