Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the deep end was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and where do I find myself today?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of embarking on university life, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the semester starting, I spent the entire day in my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with some casual conversations with others in similar situations. Therefore, what did I learn? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be many ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you interact with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you are sure to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge was balancing the workload and tackling the complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also find it perplexing. Therefore, ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students can face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both in the lead-up to and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the various support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and taught me how to enjoy myself even amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.