Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding my 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 formerly timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I realize I’ve experienced an academic year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the scarier parts of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student, it might be among your top worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, mere days before classes kicked off, I spent the whole day cloaked in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, as I sit here today, I can assert with confidence that I have forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever known at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others facing similar circumstances. So, what have I discerned? I’ve realized that it’s paramount to take initiative at the beginning of the year. If you feel uncertain or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and gatherings to assist you in connecting with your peers. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse mix of individuals in the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a notable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me overcome that sensation, one being the recognition that everyone shares the same struggles. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can almost ensure that there are others who feel similarly. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to acquire in your freshman year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students face difficulties. They are compassionate toward students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year concerning 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 earlier about taking bold steps – I made one at the year’s commencement by becoming a well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and doing so is unquestionably one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Ultimately, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support structures present through faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to relish my experiences, even amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.