Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was engulfed by anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant in personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student perusing this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships ever, here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the outset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. I also understood that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re certain to encounter individuals who share your mindset.
Another challenge was the demands of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a marked increase from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me during this was recalling that everyone is experiencing the same circumstances. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you others are facing similar struggles. So, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to 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 are aware of the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy towards us and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully exploit the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is tremendously beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the help available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the support mechanisms available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to relish my experience despite stressors like exams and deadlines.