Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of starting university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be weighing heavily on your mind. On my initial day settling into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here in this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was striking up casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker events and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals in the course and university, you are sure to find your kind of people.
Another obstacle I faced was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in some instances, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this kind of environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of things helped me through that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is grappling with the same issues. If you don’t comprehend something, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who also don’t grasp it. Therefore, seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next emphasis. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to flourish and recognize the struggles students encounter. They are compassionate towards students and maintain an ongoing dialogue with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a year wellness representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance being offered to you. There’s no such thing as too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unwarranted and can be alleviated through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has illustrated to me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to relish my experience alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.