Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into unfamiliar territory wasn’t a typical experience for my previously shy and reserved self. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges I encountered was making new friends. This aspect of entering university can undoubtedly be quite overwhelming, and if you’re a future student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships of my life, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with peers in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, that’s perfectly fine! There will be many ice-breaker events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that authenticity is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly an increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate through this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost guarantee that others are also facing difficulties. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most essential lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek support from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned previously about taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make use of the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be eased through the various support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am not alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.