Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Twelve months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into uncharted territory wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Reflecting now, I realize I experienced a year rich in personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I stand today?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day settling into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, within this university and within this program. I have created a second family at Imperial, and all it required was initiating small conversations with individuals in similar positions. So, what have I come to understand? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not feeling entirely ready or at ease, that’s perfectly okay! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. There is a vast array of individuals across the program and university; you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional obstacle was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an environment can often challenge your confidence; you might notice others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something confusing, I can nearly assure you that there are others feeling the same way. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They sympathize with us and sustain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned making leaps previously – I took a significant one at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your benefit! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to fully utilize the support available to you. You can never receive too much help!
In general, this year has imparted that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m not alone, and it has illustrated how to savor the experience alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.