Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not a domain my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back, the year encompassed personal development, obstacles, and fun experiences. What insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently a significant worry for new university attendees. On my first day of settling into my accommodation, I spent the whole day confined to my room, daunted by the idea of interacting with new individuals. Now, I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships during my time at university. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which initiated through brief exchanges with others facing similar experiences. The takeaway? Make an effort at the beginning of the year. If you’re not yet prepared, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking activities will be available to assist you in connecting with others. Be true to yourself, and you will meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, with an even more significant leap from the first to the second term. It’s easy to feel insufficient, but keep in mind, everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, others likely don’t as well. Seek assistance. This is vital during your first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They maintain ongoing dialogue about our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had tapped into it sooner. I took a chance by becoming a year well-being representative, which enabled me to connect with faculty. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it proves advantageous. Make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year revealed to me that apprehensive feelings about university are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support from staff and fellow students. I’ve realized that I’m never alone and how to find joy amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.