Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt nervous, frightened, and uncertain 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 reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most overwhelming challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be among your top worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term commencing, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with some casual conversation with people in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded individuals.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors helped me overcome that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a handful of others who also don’t comprehend. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to master in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and realize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain continuous communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I indeed took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this dimension of university is to make the most of the assistance being offered. You can never have an excess of help!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has conveyed to me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.