By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period of personal development, obstacles, and immense joy! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This certainly ranks as one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be among your principal worries. On my first day of moving into my housing, a few days prior to the term kicking off, I spent the entire day secluded in my room because I felt too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if there is one thing to be, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you are bound to connect with people like you.
Another challenge I faced was the volume of work and difficulty of the material. There was a noticeable shift from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A couple of things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly guarantee that there are several others who also find it difficult. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from both your fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty within Materials are outstanding. They genuinely aim for your success and recognize that students can struggle. They relate to us and keep open lines of communication regarding our challenges throughout the year. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until near the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned earlier the importance of taking leaps – at the beginning of the year, I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, whether before or during university, are typically unfounded and can be eased with the various support systems offered by faculty and fellow students. It has illustrated to me that I am never alone, and it has taught me the art of enjoying myself amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.