Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the unfamiliar was certainly not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and where do I stand today?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of entering university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into housing, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day in my room, feeling too apprehensive to go out and introduce myself. However, as I sit here now, I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I have found a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking chances and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly an increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is confusing, I can nearly assure you that others are in the identical situation. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to cultivate during your first year. Ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and understand that students face difficulties. They are sympathetic toward students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year was winding down, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for your personal growth! My key takeaway from this part of university is to fully utilize the resources available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated with the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has demonstrated how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.