By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, 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 unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize an academic year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the primary and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re exploring this as a potential student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. Now, I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar scenarios. So, what did I discover? I realized it’s advantageous to make a bold move at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker occasions and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be authentic. With a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me through that sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone shares the same experiences. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost assure you that others are as well. Thus, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial skill to develop in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty members in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain consistent communication with us 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 mentioned taking bold steps previously – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My key lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and has illustrated how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.