Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt apprehensive and uncertain about the journey ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most fearsome aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day holed up in my room, too daunted to venture out and socialize. Now, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, starting with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that taking a chance at the year’s outset is beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities designed to help you engage with others. I also realized that if you can embody one quality, it should be your true self. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper ascent from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be taxing on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies aided me through this, one being the understanding that everyone is in the same situation. If something seems unclear, I can nearly assure you that others are confused too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Look for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication about our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had started earlier. I spoke earlier about taking risks – I did so by becoming a year well-being representative. This opportunity allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the finest decisions you can make for yourself! My main lesson regarding this aspect of university life is to embrace the available support. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to have a good time even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.