Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown wasn’t something my typically shy and introverted self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I see a time rich in personal growth, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted to me, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges was forming friendships. This certainly ranks as one of the more intimidating elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be a pivotal worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the academic term, I spent an entire day concealed in my room due to feeling too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to fellow students. Today, however, I can boldly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and in this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with striking up casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean from this? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you don’t feel quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also found that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you will surely find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexities of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation as you. If you find something perplexing, I can almost guarantee that there are at least a few others who are equally puzzled. So, seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson you should grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show understanding and keep in regular contact with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take a step at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for the year. Holding this role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the support you are being provided. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated through the multitude of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment even amid stresses like exams and deadlines.