Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize an academic year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
A primary and quite intimidating obstacle was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more nerve-wracking elements of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day concealing myself in my room, far too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. However, I can proudly declare that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what lesson did I take away? I learned that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always helpful. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of opportunities for ice-breaking and events to aid your connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who connect with you.
Another challenge I faced was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable advancement from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be taxing on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel lacking. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the assurance that everyone shares this experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are also experiencing difficulties. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for support!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter hurdles. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned taking initiatives earlier – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely rewarding. There are numerous pathways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the assistance that’s available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the myriad of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated and how to find joy alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.