Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, 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 previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I taken away, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most daunting challenges was making connections. This is often one of the most frightening parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes began, I spent the entire day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s advantageous to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, fret not! Numerous ice-breaker events will assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse range of people within the course and university, you are sure to meet like-minded peers.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. What helped me was reminding myself that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you find something confusing, others likely do too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the hardships students endure. They empathize and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t make use of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to fully utilize the assistance available. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the supportive resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.