Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Just ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I taken away from this experience, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening facets of beginning university, and for any prospective student, it could pose a significant worry. On my inaugural day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too apprehensive to venture out and mingle. Today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the strongest friendships here at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I take away from this? It’s advantageous to take a risk at the start of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaking events to facilitate connections with others. Moreover, just be yourself. With such a varied group of individuals throughout the course and university, you are certain to find those who resonate with you.
Another difficulty was managing the academic workload and content complexity. There was a clear escalation from A-levels, and an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. Keep in mind, everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, it’s likely others don’t grasp it either. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson from the first year. Reach out for support from peers and staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want to see you succeed and are aware of the difficulties students encounter. They show understanding and keep open lines of communication with us regarding our issues. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I took one by serving as a year well-being representative. This involvement enabled me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to capitalize on the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that apprehensive feelings about university are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the assistance available from staff and fellow students. I’ve realized that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.