By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not typical for my previously timid and reserved nature. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with academic advancement, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights did this year provide, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be one of your major concerns. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, merely days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can affirm that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever known, here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in the same situation. So, what did I glean from this experience? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you engage with others. I also learned that if you can embrace one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to discover people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was a noticeable shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is facing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that there are others who are also puzzled. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students experience difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really engage with the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly advantageous. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best steps you can take for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated through the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.