Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand today?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a significant concern for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the commencement of classes, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to emerge and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can assertively say that I have forged some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from engaging in small talk with others in the same boat. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, fret not! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to encounter others like you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was unquestionably a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same predicament. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are in the same situation. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for help!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They aspire for you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this component of university is to leverage the assistance that’s available to you. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be alleviated with the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.