Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year given me, and where do I find myself today?
One of the first and most formidable obstacles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more nerve-wracking facets of commencing university, and for any prospective student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day moving into my housing, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet people. However, I can now proudly say that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had here at the university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what lesson did I glean? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to meet like-minded individuals.
Another hurdle was the workload and the level of difficulty of the material. There was certainly a notable escalation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me move past that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you others find it unclear as well. So, ask for assistance. This may be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Seek help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy towards students and maintain continual communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has imparted to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased through the many support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary and how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.