By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to commence my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of initiating university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be a significant worry. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and socialize. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had here at university and within my course. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away? It’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that authenticity is crucial. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and complexity of the content. There was a perceptible shift from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What supported me during this time was keeping in mind that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If something is unclear to you, there’s a good chance others are also struggling. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be one of the most important lessons to grasp in the first year. Reach out for support from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for you to succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway is to leverage the support available. 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 often baseless and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.