Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and quiet self was used to. 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 standing?
One of the earliest and most formidable obstacles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be among your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever known, here at this institution and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was striking up conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel quite ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the program and university; you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few elements assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also don’t comprehend it. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
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 empathize with our struggles and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking risks previously – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is extremely beneficial. There are countless opportunities to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance provided to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the extensive support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has conveyed to me that I’m never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to enjoy myself in the midst of pressures like exams and deadlines.