By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This certainly ranks among the more nerve-wracking aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a major worry. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, starting with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what lesson did I take away? I learned that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaker opportunities to assist you in connecting with fellow students. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you are sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. It was certainly a step up from A-levels, and in many respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be demanding for your confidence; seeing others studying might make you feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in a similar situation. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you there are others who feel the same way. Thus, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They are invested in your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and ensure consistent communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the support available to you. You can never receive too much help!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased by the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has made me realize that I am never alone and how to have fun even alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.