Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of beginning university life, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be your primary concern. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester’s start, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had during my time at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with brief conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals in the program and university, you’re sure to meet people with shared interests.
An additional obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. It was unmistakably a level above A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who don’t fully understand it either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out for support from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty within the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I previously spoke about taking risks – I took 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 beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest steps you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this dimension of university life is to seize the help that’s offered to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy my experiences alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.