Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)

Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unknown was not something my formerly reserved self was used to. Reflecting back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of joy! But what lessons has this year imparted to me, and where do I stand now?

One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting challenges of commencing university, and if you’re a potential student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the most incredible friendships I’ve ever had here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. What did I glean? I came to understand that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous social events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’ll undoubtedly encounter like-minded individuals.

Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors helped me navigate this, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This may be the most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from both peers and faculty!

This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They connect with students and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is tremendously valuable. There are various ways to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s among the best steps you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to utilize the support available. You can never have too much!

In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the support accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and taught me how to relish my time alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.

admin Uncategorized