Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in 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 formerly timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my situation now?
One of the first and most overwhelming challenges I faced was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be a significant worry. On my inaugural day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I can state with confidence that I have made some of the closest friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found it’s crucial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not completely prepared or at ease, don’t panic! There will be countless opportunities for icebreakers and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to find like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and in some ways, the transition from the first term to the second felt even more significant. Being immersed in such an environment doesn’t always bolster your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also don’t grasp it. Thus, make sure to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to absorb in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty within the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the struggles students face. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take a significant step at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for your personal growth! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to leverage the support available. You can never have an excess of help!
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 by the various support avenues provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and has shown me how to relish my experience amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.