Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry. On my first day moving into my dorm, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet people. Today, I can proudly affirm that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at this university and within my program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I come to realize? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is vital. With a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another significant challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can test your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. What aided me through this was the realization that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something doesn’t click for you, I can nearly guarantee that others are struggling too. So, seek assistance. This could be the most valuable lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to prosper and recognize the difficulties students endure. They empathize and keep an open dialogue about our worries. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is priceless. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s among the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson is to utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has imparted the lesson that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the help accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never truly alone and has shown me how to enjoy myself in spite of pressures like exams and deadlines.