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 set to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, 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 hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry. On my inaugural day moving into my new place, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? It’s wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, no need to fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breakers and gatherings to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter kindred spirits.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a noticeable shift from A-levels, and an even steeper transition from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can test your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was the realization that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, it’s likely that others are struggling too. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson from the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from classmates and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and comprehend the difficulties faced by students. They offer support and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke of taking chances before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My principal takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has demonstrated to me that apprehensions about university are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the help offered by staff and fellow students. It has made me realize that I’m never alone and taught me to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.