Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the entire day isolated in my room, far too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can say with confidence that I have formed some of the best friendships here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with brief conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that being your true self is vital. With such a wide array of people across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was undeniably a heightened level compared to A-levels, and in some instances, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most vital skill to nurture in your first year. Reach out to peers and staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize the difficulties students endure. They are sympathetic toward students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding any challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so sooner. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson learned from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has illuminated for me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.