By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unknown was a departure from my usual shy and introverted nature. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the most initial and intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of entering university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term start, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too afraid to step out and meet others. However, today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with striking up conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I gleaned? I learned that it’s always wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find your kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is in the same situation. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that there are others who also find it perplexing. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to internalize in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students’ struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many ways to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this dimension of university is to fully utilize the support available to you. You can never receive too much help!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by both faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it’s taught me how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.