Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was outside the comfort zone of my once shy and introverted self. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself today?
One of my first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university can be one of the most frightening, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be your primary worry. On my inaugural day settling into my dorm, merely days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Nevertheless, I can now assert with confidence that I’ve built some of the strongest friendships here at this university and within this program. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, all beginning with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? It’s important to take a chance at the outset of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable, that’s okay! There will be numerous ice-breakers and activities designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse community spread across the program and the university, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the amount of work and the challenging material. There was a significant transition from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can test your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate in comparison. What helped me was the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are struggling as well. Don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most vital lesson of your first year. Reach out for support from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They truly wish for your success and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – one such leap was becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which proved invaluable. Numerous opportunities exist for getting to know staff, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My primary lesson is to make the most of the assistance available. There’s no such thing as too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be alleviated through the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone and how to find joy amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.