Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty 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 timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I can see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of initiating university life, and if you’re perusing this as a potential student, it may be one of your major worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester commencing, I spent the entirety of the day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Nonetheless, today, I can assertively state that I have formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what have I come to understand? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always fruitful. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be your true self. With such a diverse array of individuals in the program and university; you’re sure to encounter people like yourself.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can test your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are struggling too. Hence, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They resonate with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had earlier. I talked about taking leaps before – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to take advantage of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has instructed me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated, and it has revealed how to find joy amidst the pressures of exams and due dates.