Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current stance?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was fostering friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your foremost worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the commencement of the term, I spent the whole day confined to my room, feeling too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. However, reflecting on my experiences today, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with engaging in small conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what has been my takeaway? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not yet ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plentiful ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that above all, be authentic. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to meet people who resonate with you.
An additional challenge involved the volume of work and the complexity of content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in a few aspects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that there are others who are also grappling with it. So, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to peers and staff for help!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I referenced taking leaps before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to utilize the assistance that’s available to you. You can never receive too much support!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various support systems accessible through staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never isolated, and it has illustrated how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.