Authored by Dawson La, Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my undergraduate journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was the quest to make friends. This is undeniably one of the more frightening parts of commencing university, and if you are reading this as an upcoming student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day of settling into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Nevertheless, sitting here today, I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever known, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I grasped that it’s always best to take a chance at the commencement of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be abundant ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people like yourself.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel diminished. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something difficult to comprehend, I can nearly guarantee many others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to learn during the first year. Reach out to your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with our struggles and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I referred to taking chances before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to get acquainted with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have an excess of help!
In conclusion, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently misplaced and can be eased by the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment amid pressures like exams and deadlines.