Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! What insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is typically a worry for new university students, and if you’re considering this as a prospective student, it may also be weighing on your mind. On my initial day of moving into student housing, I spent a day retreating to my room, daunted by the idea of meeting new acquaintances. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of my closest friendships here, building a second family at Imperial. It all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is vital. If you don’t feel prepared, that’s perfectly fine! There are ample ice-breaking activities to facilitate connections with others. Be true to yourself, and you will encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. The transition from A-levels was considerable, and moving from the first to the second term proved to be even more difficult. This can undermine your confidence, particularly when you start to compare yourself with peers. Keep in mind, everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something confusing, chances are others do as well. Seek assistance from classmates and faculty; it’s vital in your first year.
The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of student challenges, maintaining open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until later, but I wish I had done so earlier. I took an initiative by becoming a well-being representative for the year, which allowed me to connect with staff, a worthwhile experience. There are numerous avenues to get acquainted with the faculty, and it’s advantages. Utilize the assistance available; you can never have an excess of support!
This year has shown me that apprehensive feelings about university are often baseless and can be eased with backing from faculty and fellow students. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone and have learned to find joy even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.