Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overcome with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was establishing friendships. This aspect can be one of the most daunting when beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day of moving into accommodations, just prior to the start of term, I remained in my room the entire time, too frightened to step out and introduce myself. Reflecting on it today, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, both within this university and my program. I have discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with simple conversations with others experiencing similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that making an effort to connect at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you aren’t entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking activities to help facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse group of individuals within the course and the university, you are sure to find those who click with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can test your self-esteem; seeing others study might lead you to feel inferior. Certain things aided me during this time, one of which was the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most essential lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for guidance from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They are genuinely invested in your success and grasp the challenges faced by students. They relate to our experiences and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had earlier. I spoke previously about taking risks – I did take a step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which has been invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it ranks among the best actions you can take for your well-being! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never receive too much assistance!
Ultimately, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and has taught me how to enjoy life despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.