Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, 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 formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This aspect of beginning university often stands out as one of the most daunting, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it could be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively say that I’ve developed some of the most incredible friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with some casual conversations with fellow students in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I realized that it’s best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you mingle with others. I also learned that if you can embody one trait, be authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals in the program and across the university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the volume of coursework and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel inferior. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something isn’t clear, I can almost guarantee others also struggle to grasp it. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to master in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and communicate with us consistently throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the smartest decisions you can make for your benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In a broader context, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be alleviated by the various support systems available from faculty and peers. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to balance enjoyment alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.