By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not exactly the norm for my previously timid and reserved self. Now that I reflect, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year offered, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was establishing friendships. This is often considered one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be a major concern for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to go out and introduce myself. However, today I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year can be extremely rewarding. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker events and gatherings to help you interact with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some ways, an even steeper jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Ask for help from classmates and the academic staff!
That leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They sincerely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They are sympathetic towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had made use of it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary insight from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never receive too much!
All in all, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It’s illuminated the fact that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to embrace joy despite stressors like exams and deadlines.