Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year imparted, and what is my current position?
One of the primary and most intimidating challenges was establishing friendships. This frequently poses one of the biggest fears when commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, several days before classes started, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of my closest friendships here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I realize? I learned that taking a step forward at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a wide variety of individuals in the program and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly an escalation from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant shift from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me cope with those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone faces similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee others are also struggling with it. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy towards students and consistently communicate with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I embraced one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support being provided. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the array of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It’s revealed to me that I’m never truly alone and has instructed me on how to find enjoyment alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.