Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a period of personal development, obstacles, and an abundance of enjoyable experiences! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to go out and interact with others. Now, I can say with confidence that I’ve made some of the best friends I could have hoped for at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and everything began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I taken away from this? It’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being your true self is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in many ways, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly assure you others do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp during the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty for guidance!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never solitary and has taught me how to find enjoyment amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.