Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I faced a whirlwind of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current state?
A primary and rather intimidating hurdle was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might rank high among your concerns. On my inaugural day settling into my residence, a few days ahead of the semester’s start, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s essential to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking contexts and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. There’s such a wide range of individuals across the program and university; you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel out of place. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that others are equally lost. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to develop in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials Science are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This opportunity enabled me to form connections with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the resources available to you. You can’t have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are usually unfounded and can be eased by the myriad support options accessible from faculty and peers. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has revealed how to find joy even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.