Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re perusing this as a future student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day sheltered in my room, too overwhelmed to emerge and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that making an effort at the start of the year is invariably advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always boost your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year was coming to a close, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely worthwhile. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this segment of university life is to make the most of the assistance being provided. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased by the multitude of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary, and it has shown me how to have fun amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.