Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt nervous and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously timid self was familiar with. Reflecting on this past year, I recognize it as a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently a significant worry for new university students, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it might be a concern for you as well. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too scared to step out and socialize. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in comparable situations. What did I discover? It’s advantageous to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker activities to facilitate connections with others. I also learned the importance of being yourself. With a diverse array of individuals at the university, you are sure to meet those who are similar to you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and an even steeper transition from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may feel insufficient when comparing yourself to others. What assisted me was recognizing that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson of the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain consistent communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done it earlier. I mentioned taking risks – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position allowed me to build relationships with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to interact with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings surrounding university are often baseless and can be eased with the support accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.