Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and skepticism about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with academic development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year offer, and what is my current standing?
One of the very first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often regarded as one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student perusing this, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the beginning of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself to others. Conversely, today I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known, both at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with some casual conversations with individuals facing similar circumstances. So, what have I gleaned? I discovered that it’s always most beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With the diverse range of individuals spanning the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people like yourself.
An additional challenge involved managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly an elevation from A-levels, and in several aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and begin to feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something unclear, I can almost assure you there are others who are equally puzzled. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are numerous opportunities to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to take full advantage of the resources available. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased by the various support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment in spite of pressures like exams and deadlines.