Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October of 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. Embracing something unfamiliar wasn’t what my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted upon me, and what have I learned about my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is frequently one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, this might weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent a whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with light conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what did this teach me? I discovered that taking that initial plunge at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to help you engage with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find those who share your mindset.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first semester to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. Several factors aided me in overcoming this sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to take away from your first year. Seek help from your classmates and instructors!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff within the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely desire you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with faculty members, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to utilize the assistance available to you. There is no such thing as too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently ungrounded and can be mitigated through the various support systems in place from staff and fellow students. It has enlightened me that I’m never truly alone and how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like examinations and deadlines.