Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something I was used to as a previously reserved individual. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most overwhelming challenges was forming friendships. This is often one of the most frightening elements of starting university, and if you’re a future student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester began, I spent the whole day in my room, too intimidated to step out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? It’s advisable to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse community at the university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was a significant jump from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in this kind of setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might feel less capable compared to others. Keep in mind, everyone is navigating the same waters. If something isn’t clear, chances are others don’t understand it either. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most vital lesson from the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are amazing. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They relate to us and keep an open line of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are many avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never receive too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness about university are often unjustified and can be lessened with the help available from staff and fellow students. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy in the midst of pressures like exams and deadlines.