Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I felt nervous and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my traditionally shy self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This tends to be one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re an upcoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my inaugural day settling into my housing, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and connect with others. Now, I can proudly state that I have formed some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others facing similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? It’s wise to take a chance at the outset of the year. If you’re not prepared or feel uneasy, fret not! There will be ample ice-breaking activities to assist you in engaging with others. Additionally, if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of content. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can influence your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. What assisted me was recalling that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, chances are others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to internalize in your first year. Seek support from classmates and instructors!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish to see you succeed and understand the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the academic year. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral care until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking risks – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s among the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the assistance of staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun in spite of pressures like exams and deadlines.