Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was set to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not typical for my previously shy and reserved nature. 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 position?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be your primary worry. On my initial day of moving into my housing, a few days ahead of the semester, I spent the whole day in my room, too frightened to venture out and make introductions. However, today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There are numerous opportunities and events designed to help you make connections. I also found that above all, being yourself is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you are certain to find peers who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed into such a challenging setting can impact your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few things helped me navigate this feeling, one of which was the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you struggle to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out to both peers and faculty for support!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show empathy toward us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this segment of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated through the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even amid challenges such as exams and deadlines.