Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, fearful, 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 unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most formidable challenges was establishing friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it could be one of your major worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room because I felt too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this 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 learn? I discovered that it’s most beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to help you engage with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, it’s to be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the course and university; you’re guaranteed to meet people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the magnitude of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always straightforward for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same journey as you. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for support from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed, and they understand that students face challenges. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the opportunities for help being presented to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has imparted the lesson that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be mitigated by the vast array of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to relish my experience while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.