Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously introverted and quiet self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I realize it was a time of personal growth, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more nerve-wracking facets of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be at the forefront of your worries. On my first day of moving into my dorm, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire time sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. However, sitting here now, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking events and opportunities to connect with others. Additionally, I learned that if you can embody one trait, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re bound to connect with like-minded people.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was certainly significant, and in certain respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-confidence; witnessing others study might lead you to doubt your own abilities. A few strategies helped me navigate this feeling, one of which was the realization that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost guarantee that there are quite a few others who share your confusion. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students encounter difficulties. They are empathetic to students’ needs and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had leveraged it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps at the start; I did take one by acting as a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, 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 capitalize on the assistance at your disposal. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and throughout university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated with the plethora of support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has equipped me with the skills to enjoy myself even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.