Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and an abundance of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was the task of making friends. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your major worries. On the day I moved into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking occasions and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if there is one thing to be, it’s yourself. There is such a diverse group of individuals throughout the program and university; you’re destined to meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the heavy workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear to you, I can almost guarantee that there are others who are equally puzzled. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided to you. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased by the plentiful support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has revealed how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as examinations and deadlines.