Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was apprehensive, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Yet, sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always most advantageous. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, fret not! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking events and opportunities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you are bound to discover peers like yourself.
Another significant challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others do not either. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
That leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are fantastic. They truly desire for you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding toward students and maintain frequent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly make use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking bold steps – I took one at the onset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to fully leverage the assistance you are provided. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has imparted to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated with the plethora of support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy my time alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.