Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I perceive a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This often stands as one of the most frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it may be among your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to emerge and meet others. Today, however, I can assuredly say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s essential to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your personality.
Another difficulty was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in several ways, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one of which was the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who are equally perplexed. Thus, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This segues into my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding toward students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get familiar with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.