Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into uncharted territory was not something my once timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back, I can see a year abundant with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This certainly stands out as one of the more fearsome elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be your greatest worry. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of classes starting, I spent the whole day hidden in my room, too scared to venture out and introduce myself. Sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking risks at the year’s beginning is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there is one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals within the program and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was coping with the workload and the complexity of the content. The transition from A-levels was significant, and in some respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even more substantial. Being thrown into such an environment can be daunting for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few elements supported me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you there are others who share the same struggle. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students encounter difficulties. They have empathy for students and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to get to know the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the help that is available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed that I’m never alone and taught me how to have fun amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.