Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not a scenario my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period rich with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most overwhelming hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day settling into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I grasp? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable shift from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experiences. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are too. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from both your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The academic staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with student struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I embraced one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s one of the greatest favors you can do for yourself! My principal takeaway from this segment of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has conveyed that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased with the various support mechanisms provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.