Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
A key and early challenge was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting components of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your principal worries. On the first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day retreating in my room because I felt too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. Yet, sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever encountered, here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all started with some casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that it is always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, rest assured! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events to help you connect with others. I also came to understand that if you can embody one trait, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you’re likely to find others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper change from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel as though you aren’t sufficient. A few factors aided me through that mindset, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t understand. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next highlight. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and ensure ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to better connect with the faculty members, which is exceptionally beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the finest actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this university aspect is to fully utilize the assistance being provided. You can never receive too much support!
Overall, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased with the abundance of support available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has equipped me with the ability to enjoy myself amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.