Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year 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. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and quiet self was used to. Looking back, I now recognize a year packed with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of embarking on university life, and if you’re an incoming student, it may loom large in your concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too overwhelmed to step out and meet others. Now, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced during my time at university and within my course. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what takeaway did I have? I learned that it’s always advantageous to make that initial move at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! Numerous opportunities for introductions and events will present themselves to help you connect with other people. I also realized that if there’s one thing to embody, it’s authenticity. With so many varied individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who share your perspectives.
Another difficulty was the intensity of the coursework and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some regards, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a demanding environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in coping with this sensation, one being the assurance that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you are struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are facing similar challenges. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take from the first year. Reach out to your fellow students and the faculty for support!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to excel and understand the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the academic year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier. I referred to taking risks earlier — I did embrace one at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative. This position enabled me to interact with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best things you can pursue for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to take full advantage of the support made available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In conclusion, this year has enlightened me to the fact that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.