Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not a scenario my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past year, I can see a journey brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting components of starting university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On the initial day of moving into my lodgings, a few days before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day hiding in my room because I was too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. However, sitting here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, both here at this university and within this program. I have cultivated a second family at Imperial, and all it took was initiating small conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a bold step at the start of the year can always be advantageous. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, fret not! Numerous ice-breaker chances and activities will help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can be one thing, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find those who share your interests.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can almost guarantee there are others who are equally perplexed. So, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to absorb during your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep in continuous touch with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is tremendously rewarding. There are numerous avenues to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In sum, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased by the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun despite the stressors such as exams and deadlines.