Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unknown was not something my formerly introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can often be among the most frightening elements of beginning university, and if you are a potential student perusing this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day settling into my housing, just days prior to the commencement of classes, I remained in my room the whole day, too afraid to go out and introduce myself. Nowadays, though, I can proudly state that I’ve established some of the best friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what have I grasped? I’ve learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is advantageous. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, fear not! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find people with whom you resonate.
An additional challenge was the volume and complexity of the coursework. There was certainly an elevation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in this kind of setting can be hard on one’s confidence; you might observe peers studying and feel inferior. Several factors aided me during this time, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are in the same position. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most vital lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out to your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with our challenges and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, yet I wish I had discovered it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s among the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have an excess of support!
In conclusion, this past year has revealed to me that feelings of apprehension, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support from faculty and fellow students. It has illustrated that I am never truly alone and has taught me how to find joy despite pressures like exams and deadlines.