Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to begin my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not an experience that my previously introverted and reserved nature was used to. Now, reflecting on this academic year, I recognize it as a period filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This aspect of commencing university can be quite daunting, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before the term started, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to step out and meet others. Today, though, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, it’s authenticity. With a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people like yourself.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment might not always boost your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also find it perplexing. Therefore, seek assistance. This can be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the start of the academic year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to build connections with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this segment of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unjustified and can be alleviated by the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.