Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my introverted and reserved nature was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time of personal growth, hurdles, and enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges was establishing friendships. This can be one of the more intimidating elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, daunted by the thought of venturing out and meeting new people. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships of my life, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all sparked from casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I realized it is always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and activities to facilitate connections with others. I also came to understand that if you can embody anything, just be yourself. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and the university, you are sure to encounter those who share your interests.
An additional challenge was the academic workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you others are grappling with it as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They relate to students and keep open channels of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referenced taking leaps previously – I took one at the year’s inception by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have an excess of help!
On a broader scale, this year enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often irrational and can be mitigated through the numerous support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It taught me that I am never alone and how to relish my experience alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.