Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved personality was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day settling into my residence, a few days prior to the semester kicking off, I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to step out and meet others. However, I can now assert confidently that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others facing similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking risks at the onset of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events will be available to facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that being authentic is vital. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to discover like-minded people.
Another difficulty was handling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a notable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A couple of measures assisted me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you struggle with a concept, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most crucial skill to cultivate during the first year. Reach out for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter obstacles. They empathize with our experiences and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I talked about taking risks previously – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and this is one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the available support. There’s no such thing as too much help!
In summary, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated through the various support mechanisms provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.