Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was well-versed in. Looking back, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as a potential student, it might rank among your top worries. On my first day of moving into my housing, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Now, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with some casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the start of the year. If you’re not feeling quite prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, let it be your authentic self. With the diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment is not always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in coping with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If something doesn’t click for you, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same boat. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and ensure ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t genuinely take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned previously about taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance being made available to you. You can never have an excess of support!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be eased with the multitude of support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to balance enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.