Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I stood on the brink 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 recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and fun! But what insights have I gained, and what’s my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking elements of commencing university, and if you’re a potential student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the semester, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too daunted to venture out and interact with others. Yet today, I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the most amazing friends 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 casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s advantageous to take a chance at the year’s beginning. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a varied community across the program and university, you’re certain to find individuals who align with you.
Another obstacle was handling the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly an increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such a setting can be challenging to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee there are others who are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They relate to us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully make use of the support services until later in the year, but I wish I had utilized them sooner. I talked about taking chances earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous methods to build connections with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this segment of university is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has imparted on me that feelings of nervousness, both before and throughout university, are often misguided and can be eased with the support systems offered by faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and taught me how to relish my time despite stressors like exams and deadlines.