By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into new territory was not characteristic of my previously reserved nature. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and fun. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest hurdles was forging friendships, a formidable component of beginning university. On my first day at my accommodation, I remained in my room, too daunted to mingle with others. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university. I discovered a second family at Imperial by initiating casual conversations with classmates. What have I learned? It’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re hesitant, don’t stress—there are ice-breaking activities that can assist you in connecting. Be true to yourself; you’ll encounter others similar to you.
An additional challenge was the workload and difficulty of the content, which was a significant leap from A-levels and even more pronounced from the first to the second term. It’s easy to lose confidence, but keep in mind that everyone shares the same experience. If something isn’t clear to you, it probably isn’t clear to others as well. Therefore, seek assistance from both peers and staff—it’s vital during the first year.
The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They are dedicated to your success and are empathetic towards student challenges. They keep communication open regarding various issues. I didn’t utilize pastoral support until later but wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative, which helped me build connections with staff. There are numerous opportunities to get to know the faculty, and it’s advantageous. Make use of the support provided—you can never have an excess of it!
This year has shown me that feelings of nervousness regarding university are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated through support from both staff and fellow students. I’ve realized that I am never alone and learned how to find enjoyment even amid the pressures of exams and deadlines.