Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my once shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often one of the most frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be your primary concern. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with people in similar predicaments. So, what was my lesson? I discovered it’s advantageous to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also concluded that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With the diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging to your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you find something puzzling, I can nearly assure you that others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The professors in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to prosper and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I embraced one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to become acquainted with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this part of university life is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has illustrated to me that I’m never solitary and how to find enjoyment amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.