Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was set to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This undoubtedly ranks as one of the more apprehensive elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term start, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was some casual conversations with those in similar predicaments. So, what’s the takeaway? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you’re not feeling prepared or comfortable, do not fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker occasions and events to facilitate connections. I also recognized that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With such a diverse population in the program and university, you’re sure to find others like you.
An additional obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; witnessing others study might make you feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the realization that we’re all experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are in the same situation. So, reach out for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get to know the staff, and it’s definitely one of the best strategies you can employ for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the array of support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.