Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about what lay ahead. I was embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Exploring the unknown was not something my typically reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I come to understand, and where do I currently stand?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was establishing friendships. This is frequently a significant concern for new university students, and if you’re considering enrolling, it might be something that weighs on your mind. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with others in the same position. So, what did I learn? It’s worthwhile to take the initiative at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready, don’t stress! There are plenty of ice-breaking events to facilitate connections with others. Furthermore, if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse group at the university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first to the second term. Being in this kind of environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What helped me was the reminder that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If something isn’t clear to you, it likely isn’t to others as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek guidance from your peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the academic year. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster relationships with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to leverage the assistance available. You can never obtain too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness about university are often unfounded and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. I’ve realized I am never alone and have discovered how to have fun despite the stress from examinations and deadlines.