Contributed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
A year ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the unknown was not something my typically timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I see a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re perusing this as a potential student, it may be one of your major worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day retreating to my room, too hesitant to step out and interact with others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve developed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and within this program. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all began with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I come to understand? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with fellow students. Additionally, I discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
An additional hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can sometimes undermine your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel less than capable. A few strategies helped me move past that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If you’re struggling with a concept, I can nearly assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They are compassionate towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My central takeaway from this component of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has reinforced that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be lessened through the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.