Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months prior, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not a territory my previously introverted and timid persona was familiar with. Looking back, I now recognize a year filled with substantial personal development, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what insights has this year delivered, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearsome aspects of starting university, and if you’re exploring this as a future student, it could be one of your major worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just a few days before classes kicked off, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively declare that I’ve built some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all began with striking up casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I came to understand that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not entirely prepared or feel uneasy, no need to fret! There will be abundant ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one attribute, let it be authenticity. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to discover those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I faced was handling the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was surely a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me navigate those feelings, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar situations. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee others are in the same situation. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most essential skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out for assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t completely utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I made one at the onset of the year by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it stands out as one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has highlighted that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated through the extensive support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.