Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to start my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to step outside and meet others. However, sitting here now, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from engaging in brief conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what was my takeaway? I learned that taking a step forward at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With such a variety of people across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being suddenly placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-confidence; you may see others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in a similar situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost guarantee that others don’t either. So, seek assistance when needed. This may be the most important lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your colleagues and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely care about your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and keep in regular contact with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had accessed it earlier. I talked about taking leaps before – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My principal lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance that is available. You can never acquire too much!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone, and it has revealed how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.