Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt nervous, fearful, and uncertain about the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year packed with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, starting with brief conversations with others in like circumstances. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that it’s always a good idea to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker events and activities to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. There’s a wide variety of people within the course and university; you’re sure to meet individuals like you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase in difficulty from A-levels, and there were even greater leaps from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always kind to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who are in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students face. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year about any issues we encounter. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking risks at the beginning – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to utilize the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are almost always misplaced and can be eased with the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has helped me learn how to enjoy myself alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.