Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to start my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Leaping into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was making connections. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening parts of beginning university, and if you’re considering this as a future student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent a whole day hiding in my room because I felt too shy to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it just required striking up small conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be authentic. There are numerous diverse individuals across the course and university; you’re guaranteed to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was indeed a significant transition from A-levels, and in some ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you may notice others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. Some things helped me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same path as you. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly assure you that at least a few others are also confused. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our struggles. I didn’t really take advantage of the support system until the year’s end, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your personal growth! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to take full advantage of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much help!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be alleviated with the multitude of support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has equipped me with how to enjoy my time amidst the stresses of exams and deadlines.