By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most overwhelming challenges was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university can definitely be quite intimidating, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be a significant concern for you. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, feeling too intimidated to go out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I have ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, all thanks to small conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I grasped? I learned that it’s always wise to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t worry! There will be many ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with your peers. I also discovered that if you can be one thing, be authentic. There are numerous diverse individuals across the course and university; you are bound to encounter those like you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more substantial leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting doesn’t always nurture your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same circumstances. If you don’t understand something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also don’t get it. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier. I referenced taking leaps earlier – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous opportunities to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the assistance provided to you. You can never have too much!
Generally, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be diminished through the abundance of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.