Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not an experience my historically shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gathered, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student perusing this, it might be among your top worries. On my initial day of moving into my housing, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly affirm that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this institution and within my program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with brief conversations with peers in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always the most effective strategy. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to aid you in meeting others. I also realized that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse crowd across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
A further challenge was the workload and the complexity of content. There was undeniably a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you don’t understand something, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who don’t either. So, ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to acquire in the first year. Seek aid from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain regular communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take one at the outset by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with faculty, and it’s undeniably one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to take full advantage of the support that is available to you. You can never have an excess of it!
Overall, this year has imparted to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to have a good time despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.