Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, 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 not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where have I ended up?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening parts of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term commencing, I spent the entirety of the day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the greatest friends during my time at university and in my program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with a bit of casual conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. What did I glean from this? It’s advantageous to take a chance at the commencement of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be a host of ice-breaker activities available to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a variety of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can influence your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that it isn’t clear to others either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is likely the most crucial lesson for the first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They wish for you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. 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 previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to become acquainted with the faculty, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your well-being! My main lesson is to leverage the available support. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It taught me that I am never isolated and how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.