Authored 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. Diving into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On the initial day of moving into my dorm, a few days before the semester began, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. However, today I can assuredly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever made, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events designed to aid you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some instances, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also do not comprehend it. Therefore, seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.