Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and for upcoming students, it may be among your top worries. On the day I moved into my housing, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. However, today, I am proud to say that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I come to realize? I discovered that it’s best to embrace the leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events designed to help you connect with others. I also understood that if you can do one thing, be genuine. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you are sure to find people similar to you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. It was certainly a notch higher than A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always great for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me overcome that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares your struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly assure you that many others feel the same. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t tap into the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps at the beginning; I did take a significant step by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is enormously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the assistance available to you. There’s no such thing as too much support!
In conclusion, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has demonstrated how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.