Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously introverted and quiet self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year overflowing with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current situation?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can indeed be one of the most unsettling parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be at the forefront of your concerns. On my initial day of moving into my new place, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I have ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, all beginning with simple conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and gatherings to facilitate your connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of people across the program and university, you’re likely to encounter individuals who resonate with you.
A further challenge was the intensity and complexity of the workload. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger one from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might notice others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something isn’t clear, I can almost assure you that others share that confusion. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Ask for support from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend that students face difficulties. They connect with students and keep an open line of communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I would have preferred to do so earlier. I spoke earlier about taking chances – I did take a leap at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous moves you can make for yourself! My key lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In essence, this year has highlighted for me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be mitigated by the numerous support resources provided by both staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amid the stressors like exams and deadlines.