Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is often one of the most frightening elements of starting university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into accommodation, a few days before classes kicked off, I spent the entire day in my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and meet new people. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the closest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. What did I take away from this? It’s essential to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or feel at ease, don’t stress! There are countless ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that authenticity is crucial. With such a wide array of people across the program and university, you will definitely find others who share your interests.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can test your confidence; you may feel inadequate when comparing yourself to your peers. What helped me was the realization that everyone is grappling with the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson from the first year. Reach out to fellow students and faculty for support!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges that students encounter. They are understanding and consistently communicate about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously—I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to build connections with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the support provided. You can never have too much help!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness regarding university are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support available from staff and peers. It has taught me that I am never truly alone and how to find enjoyment in the face of pressures such as exams and deadlines.