Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal growth, obstacles, and countless enjoyable moments! So, what insights has this year provided me, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often ranks as one of the most intimidating facets of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it could be one of your primary worries. On my first day of settling into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to fellow students. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve developed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with light conversation with others in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events designed to help you bond with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter others like you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is dealing with similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are fantastic. They are invested in your success and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take 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 incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support being extended to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various support available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to revel in myself while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.