Authored by Dawson La, MEng in Materials Science and Engineering
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not a habit of my formerly shy and reserved character. Looking back, I reflect on a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a plethora of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was the task of making friends. This can certainly be one of the scarier elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be your primary worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the start of term, I found myself secluding in my room all day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships ever here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what’s my takeaway? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or feel at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breakers and events designed to help you bond with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With a diverse range of individuals in the program and university, you are sure to connect with like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a challenging environment can undermine your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. Several factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the awareness that everyone shares the same struggles. If you find yourself confused about something, you can almost rest assured others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may stand out as the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Turn to your classmates and the faculty for support!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials Science are exceptional. They aim for your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the academic year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. As I mentioned about taking leaps, I made one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to build connections with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with your instructors, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to seize every opportunity for assistance. You can never have access to too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the wealth of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find joy alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.