Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too apprehensive to step outside and introduce myself. Today, however, I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it merely required engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the year’s beginning. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plentiful ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also came to understand that if you can be just one thing, it should be your authentic self. With so many diverse individuals throughout the program and university, you’re destined to find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and complexity of the content. There was certainly a considerable leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can test your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is on the same journey. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t either. So, seek help. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to flourish and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show compassion for students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I took one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous paths to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can undertake for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Generally, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has helped me discover how to enjoy myself while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.