Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I can see an academic year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it could be one of your main worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with some casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel unready or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be genuine. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you’re bound to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was coping with the workload and complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can test your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the realization that everyone is going through similar experiences. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who also do not understand. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know the faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much!
On the whole, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated with the numerous support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.