Authored by Dawson La, Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of commencing my academic journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back over the last year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! What have I taken away from this experience, and what is my current perspective?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a potential student, it may be a significant worry for you. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I can proudly state that I’ve made some amazing friends here at the university and within my course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with simple conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I take away? I realized that taking a chance right at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be countless ice-breakers and events to aid in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With such a diverse crowd throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle involved the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap between the first and second terms. Being thrust into such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inferior. Several strategies helped me conquer that sensation; one being the realization that everyone experiences the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are in the same position. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might just be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Approach your peers and the faculty for help!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students endure. They relate to our challenges and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, and I wish I had reached out earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps previously – I did make one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is an invaluable experience. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and throughout university, are frequently unjustified and can be alleviated through the multitude of support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has reinforced the understanding that I’m never truly alone and taught me how to have fun even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.