Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious and unclear about what lay ahead as I geared up to embark on my academic journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what have I discovered, and what is my current status?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This often ranks among the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can assert that I have formed some of the best friendships I’ve had while 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 circumstances. So, what did I gain? I discovered that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not yet ready or comfortable, fear not! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate your connection with others. I’ve also realized that being true to yourself is essential. With a multitude of diverse individuals across the program and university, you are bound to meet like-minded people.
Another obstacle was navigating the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable upgrade from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggle. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others are also having difficulties. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us about our concerns. I only started to make full use of the pastoral support towards the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – at the beginning of the year, I jumped in by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to get acquainted with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to connect with the staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My chief takeaway from this aspect of university is to maximize the help available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has instructed me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support avenues provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.