Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt apprehensive and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it might rank among your greatest worries. On my initial day settling into my housing, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Today, I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the finest friends here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I taken away from this? I learned that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always the best course of action. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be abundant opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can influence your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies assisted me through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee others are in the same situation. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson from the first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t capitalize on the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I embraced one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased through the support available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to savor my experiences despite challenges such as exams and deadlines.