Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Immersing myself in unfamiliar territory was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did I gain, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day of moving into my residence, just days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to go out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most cherished friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is vital. If you’re not prepared or feeling at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of networking events to assist you in connecting with others. Moreover, if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a wide array of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to meet those who share your interests.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was a stark transition from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can shake your self-assurance; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. What aided me was recalling that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear, it’s likely that others are confused as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most important skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to both classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I did not fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year concluded, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I did venture into that by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway is to seize the opportunities for help that are presented to you. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the support available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.