By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I view a year rich with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this past year, and what is my situation now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This can be one of the most frightening aspects of entering university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant concern for you. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too nervous to go out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I have made some of the best friends here at university and within my 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? It’s advisable to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t prepared or don’t feel at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with peers. Furthermore, if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the workload and the challenge of the content. There was clearly an increase in difficulty from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. What assisted me was remembering that everyone is facing similar challenges. If there’s something you can’t grasp, there are likely others who don’t either. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson of the first year. Ask for help from peers and faculty!
This transitions to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are invested in your success and understand the difficulties students encounter. They relate to us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year concerning 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 taking leaps previously – I made one by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with staff members, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My principal takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and taught me how to enjoy myself despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.