Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into unfamiliar territory was something my formerly shy and reserved self was not used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted to me, and where do I stand now?
A significant and initially intimidating challenge was forging friendships. This certainly ranks as one of the more nerve-wracking parts of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be among your top concerns. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days before the semester commenced, I spent an entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively state that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual chats with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I glean? I learned that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable, fret not! There will be abundant ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the demanding workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even steeper transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always bode well for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reassurance that we’re all sharing the same journey. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly guarantee that others are equally puzzled. So, reach out for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to absorb in the initial year. Seek help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely aspire for your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. They sympathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so sooner. I previously mentioned taking risks – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the finest actions you can undertake for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to seize the help available to you. There’s no such thing as too much!
In a broader sense, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased with the plethora of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to savor my experience in tandem with stressors like exams and deadlines.