Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by anxieties, fears, and uncertainties about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my academic journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, far too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Nonetheless, today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with those in similar situations. What did I take away from this experience? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous icebreakers to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a wide range of individuals in the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging to your self-esteem; you might notice others studying and feel insufficient. Several factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that others are experiencing the same issue. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could very well be the most important skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to peers and faculty for support!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They relate to us and maintain ongoing dialogue regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral care until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances previously – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which proves to be immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to embrace the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this past year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased through the various support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun regardless of stressors such as exams and deadlines.