Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was ready for. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university can certainly be one of the most daunting, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Today, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with brief conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I glean from this? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year can prove beneficial. If you’re not ready or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker events will be available to facilitate connections. I also recognized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of people in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can test your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming this sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone finds themselves in a similar situation. If you struggle to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most critical lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university life is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be eased with the various support resources offered by faculty and peers. It taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.