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 commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I perceive an academic year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what has this year revealed to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your largest concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and in this program. I have created a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you will undoubtedly find those like you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that there are at least several others who also don’t understand. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most critical lesson to grasp in the initial year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is truly exceptional. They are invested in your success and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the academic year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know staff members, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In general, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be alleviated through the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun in conjunction with stressors like exams and deadlines.