Authored by Dawson La, MEng in Materials Science and Engineering
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about the path ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not a scenario my formerly timid self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening parts of initiating university, and for prospective students, it might pose a significant worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assert with confidence that I have established some of the best friendships at university and within my course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away? It’s beneficial to take a chance at the start of the year. If you’re not prepared or don’t feel at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events designed to assist you in connecting with others. Besides, if you can be anything, just be yourself. With a diverse range of people across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant leap from A-levels, and even more so from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging to your confidence; you might sense a feeling of inadequacy compared to your peers. What proved helpful for me was the realization that everyone is in a similar situation. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly assure you that others are feeling the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most important lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges that students encounter. They are empathetic and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous actions you can undertake for yourself! My primary lesson is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support available from staff and fellow students. It has illustrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.