Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly reserved and timid self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I learned from this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This aspect of starting university can be quite daunting, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my housing, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too scared to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here now, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I have built a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who connect with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to understand something, I can almost guarantee there are others struggling as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students may face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep regular communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I would have taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took a significant one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy life even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.