Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt apprehensive and uncertain about what lay ahead as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid self was used to. Looking back over the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can represent one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student, it might be a significant concern for you. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days before the term began, I remained in my room the whole day, too fearful to venture out and meet new people. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at the university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with those in similar situations. So, what have I learned? It’s advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities available to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is crucial. With the vast array of diverse individuals at the university, you’re sure to encounter others like yourself.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being in such an atmosphere can test your self-assurance; you may feel insufficient compared to your peers. What supported me was recalling that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find something confusing, chances are others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most vital takeaway from the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They resonate with students and keep open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support available until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had capitalized on it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This position helped me connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are various ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson is to take full advantage of the resources provided. You can never have an excess of support!
In conclusion, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the support available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite challenges such as exams and deadlines.