Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead as I commenced my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my typically shy self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year abundant in personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earlier and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently a major concern for new university students, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might occupy your thoughts as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, daunted by the idea of introducing myself to others. Now, I can confidently state that I’ve made some of the best friends here, creating a second family at Imperial. It all began with casual conversations with individuals in the same boat. What did I discover? It’s important to take a chance at the start of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking events will be available to assist you in connecting with others. Also, just be yourself. With such a diverse community at the university, you are sure to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can impact your confidence; you may feel inadequate in comparison to others. Remember, everyone is in a similar situation. If you don’t grasp something, others probably don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson from the first year. Look for help from peers and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are excellent. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and keep open communication regarding any concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me engage with staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are several ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that anxious feelings about university are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the support available from faculty and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.