By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be at the forefront of your concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too fearful to venture out and greet others. However, as I reflect today, I can undoubtedly assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships during my time at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what has this taught me? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals in the program and the university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in certain ways, an even greater 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 inferior. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you find something unclear, I can almost assure you there are others who are equally puzzled. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Ask for support from your classmates and the teaching staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show compassion towards students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often misplaced and can be mitigated by the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.