Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not what my previously timid and reserved personality was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, this may be one of your major worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and greet others. However, now I can proudly state that I’ve developed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of small talk with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, that’s okay! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such diverse individuals in the program and university; you’re sure to find people like you.
Another obstacle I needed to surmount was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate that feeling, one being the understanding that everyone is in the same situation as you. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who also don’t comprehend it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had sooner. I previously mentioned about taking leaps – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the support being provided. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has imparted to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased through the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to have fun in conjunction with sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.