Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously introverted and timid nature was used to. Looking back, I now recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of fun! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of initiating university life, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my inaugural day settling into my housing, a few days prior to the beginning of classes, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. However, today I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I’ve learned that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with your peers. I’ve also discovered that if you can embody one quality, be genuine. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your vibe.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly an elevation from A-levels, and in many respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may notice others studying diligently and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming those feelings, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can nearly promise that there are others struggling similarly. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Seek guidance from both your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my following point. The faculty in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely want you to excel and understand the difficulties students experience. They empathize deeply with students and maintain steady communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I previously mentioned taking risks – I took a significant one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to develop rapport with the staff, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various sources of support from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.