Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university can certainly be quite daunting, and if you find yourself reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On the first day of my accommodation move-in, a few days prior to the start of the semester, I spent the entire day confined to my room, far too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself. Sitting here now, I can say with confidence that I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what has this taught me? I discovered that it’s advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events that will aid in connecting you with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, let it be your true self. With the diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to connect with others like yourself.
Another obstacle I faced was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can exert pressure on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggle. If you’re having difficulty understanding something, I can nearly guarantee there are several others who do too. So, seek assistance. This may prove to be the single most crucial lesson learned in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are incredible. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us all year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the close of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I did indeed take one at the start of the year by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to seize the assistance that’s available. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has demonstrated to me that nervous feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.