Authored by Dawson La, Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was finding friends. This is frequently one of the most challenging aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it may be a major worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too daunted to exit and meet new people. However, sitting here now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that embracing new experiences at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not fully prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Plenty of activities and ice-breakers will be there to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be authentic. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge involved the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant increase from A-levels, and in many ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me to overcome that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone shares the same struggles. If you’re confused about something, I can nearly assure you that others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the teaching staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They truly care about your success and understand the challenges students encounter. They relate to students’ experiences and maintain continuous 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 done so sooner. I discussed taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the resources available to you. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be alleviated by the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has demonstrated how to balance enjoying my experiences alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.