Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar wasn’t something my typically introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into my dorm, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, too intimidated to go out and socialize. Sitting here now, I can assuredly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and during this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse mix of people in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater transition from the first semester to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be a blow to your confidence; you may see others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you struggle with something, I can almost assure you there are others who do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for help!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and engage in ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I talked about taking risks earlier – I took one at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are countless ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your benefit! My main takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often mislaid and can be mitigated with the support available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never on my own, and it’s shown me how to balance enjoyment with stressors such as exams and deadlines.