Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to start my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something that my once shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted on me, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be among your largest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I felt too intimidated to go out and meet new people. Yet, as I sit here today, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of casual conversation with those in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I realized that it’s always beneficial to make a move at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the program and university; you’re certain to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be daunting for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something confusing, I can practically assure you that there are several others who also struggle with it. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking chances at the beginning – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly advantageous. There are ample opportunities to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main lesson from this area of university life is to capitalize on the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much support!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, whether leading up to or during university, are nearly always baseless and can be alleviated with the numerous support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to savor my experience while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.