Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not a situation my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This frequently stands as one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student reading this, it may be a significant worry for you. On move-in day, a few days prior to the start of the term, I remained holed up in my room all day, too anxious to venture out and meet others. However, today, I am proud to say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what’s the lesson here? I learned that taking that initial step early in the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities to break the ice and events designed to help you connect with others. Additionally, I found that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and campus, you’re destined to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being placed into such a setting can sometimes be tough on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me through that sensation, one being the comforting reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you there are others who feel the same way. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They are eager for you to thrive and acknowledge that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking bold steps – 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 staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased by the various support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It has illuminated that I am never alone and how to have a good time despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.