Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unknown wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what lessons have I gleaned this year, and what’s my current status?
One of the first and most challenging hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it might be among your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days ahead of term, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. However, as I sit here now, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever encountered at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with light conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events to facilitate your interaction with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse crowd throughout the course and university, you’re destined to connect with like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always conducive to confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the recognition that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re struggling with something, I can almost assure you that others are as well. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most invaluable lesson to learn in your first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are abundant opportunities to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be alleviated with the plethora of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself amid stressors like exams and deadlines.