Authored by Dawson La, Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I can see a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect is frequently one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day settling into my accommodation, right before the term commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Today, I can assure you that I have forged some amazing friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? It’s important to take a leap of faith at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the program and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable shift from A-levels, and an even steeper transition from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might feel less competent compared to your peers. What supported me was the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, chances are, others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson from the first year. Ask for help from both peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next highlight. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They are compassionate and maintain open communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety about university are often unfounded and can be eased with the support available from staff and fellow students. I’ve come to realize that I’m never alone and have learned how to have fun despite stressors like exams and deadlines.