Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was preparing to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. In hindsight, I can see an academic year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I taken away from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your principal concerns. On my initial day of moving into my living space, just days before classes kicked off, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too apprehensive to go out and mingle with others. Sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what lesson did I glean? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is invariably beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities designed to help you engage with others. Additionally, I learned that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse range of individuals in the program and at the university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another difficulty was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be a challenge for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel like you’re not measuring up. A few factors helped me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who are also in the dark. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Seek aid from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to flourish and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and keep in steady communication about our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your well-being! My principal takeaway from this facet of university life is to utilize the support available to you. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of apprehension, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various forms of support provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.