Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my academic journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously timid and restrained self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may rank among your greatest apprehensions. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. However, today I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar predicaments. So, what have I taken away from this? I learned that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to meet like-minded people.
Another challenge was navigating the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a notable increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can test your self-assurance; you may observe peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me overcome that sensation, one being the understanding that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others share that confusion. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Look for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They truly want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had made use of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to build rapport with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for your benefit! My main takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unjustified and can be mitigated with the varied support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy in my experience despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.