Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reticent self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it might be one of your main worries. On my initial day moving into my housing, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. However, I can now assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had in this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with light conversation with those in similar circumstances. So, what have I understood? I realized that taking a chance at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a broad range of individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar challenges. If you’re struggling with something, I can nearly guarantee that others are experiencing the same thing. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Ask for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter obstacles. They show empathy towards us and keep in touch consistently throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until near the end of the year, but I wish I had done it earlier. I spoke about taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is extremely valuable. There are various avenues to build connections with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to relish my experiences despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.