Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something I had ever been comfortable with, given my previously introverted and quiet nature. Looking back, I realize this year has been filled with personal growth, numerous challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what wisdom has this year granted me, and how do I find myself at this moment?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your main worries. On my initial day settling into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the semester, I spent the whole day concealing myself in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assert that I have formed some of the finest friendships I have ever experienced, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with a bit of casual conversation with others in the same boat. So, what has this taught me? I’ve learned that it’s always advantageous to take the initiative at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker events and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With so many diverse individuals across both the course and university, you are sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity and complexity of the coursework. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate those emotions, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be one of the most crucial lessons to learn during your first year. Reach out to both your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize the challenges students face. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. As I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take a significant step at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to interact with staff, and building those relationships is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated through the abundant support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has demonstrated how to find joy amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.