Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a substantial worry for you. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the commencement of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what am I taking away from this? I learned that taking a plunge at the onset of the year is crucial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re destined to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me through this, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you are struggling to grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital thing to adopt in your freshman year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely wish for you to thrive and comprehend the challenges faced by students. They relate to us and keep an open dialogue about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned making leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have too much backing!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be diminished with the help available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.