Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Navigating into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re a potential student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into housing, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too frightened to venture out and socialize. Now, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is advantageous. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker situations and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of people in the course and university, you are sure to come across like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Existing in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me during this time, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something hard to grasp, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek help from your peers and instructors!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in the Materials department are excellent. They genuinely wish to see you succeed and comprehend the challenges that students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned previously about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position gave me the chance to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are countless ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that nervous feelings, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the support systems available from staff and fellow students. It has enlightened me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even with pressures like exams and deadlines.