Authored by Dawson La, Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back, I can recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, 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 I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester’s onset, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Yet, sitting here now, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and all it took was starting conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year pays off. If you’re not feeling entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaker activities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter others who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the workload and complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can sometimes impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you find something confusing, I can nearly guarantee others are puzzled as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Request support from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff within the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize the challenges students face. They show empathy and maintain constant communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks; at the beginning of the year, I accepted a role as a well-being representative. This opportunity allowed me to connect with staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to fully embrace the assistance you’re offered. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased with the countless support options available from staff and fellow classmates. It has shown me that I am never alone and has demonstrated how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.