Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved persona was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a journey of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most formidable hurdles was forging friendships. This aspect of commencing university can indeed be quite intimidating, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of settling into my accommodations, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this institution and within this course. I’ve cultivated a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel 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 learned that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse group of people across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in many ways, an even larger leap from the first semester to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies aided me through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. If you don’t comprehend something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also find it perplexing. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to acquire in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students face challenges. They sympathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support resources until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the greatest things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the numerous support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has demonstrated to me how to relish experiences alongside the stressors of exams and deadlines.