Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about the journey ahead. I was about to embark on my academic pursuit in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and a significant amount of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university is undoubtedly one of the more daunting, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day secluding myself in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet people. Today, however, I can proudly declare that I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with fellow students in similar positions. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous social opportunities and events to aid your connection with others. I also grasped that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
A further challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable elevation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an atmosphere can sometimes be difficult for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few elements assisted me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar situations. If you comprehend something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also do not grasp it. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They understand students’ struggles and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the support services until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking chances at the beginning; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it is definitely one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this dimension of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In general, this year has imparted to me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be mitigated with the plethora of support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never on my own and how to relish my time while managing stresses such as exams and deadlines.