Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your main worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself. Today, however, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a leap at the start of the year is always the best approach. If you aren’t quite ready or comfortable yet, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be yourself. There are countless diverse individuals across the course and university; you’ll inevitably encounter people like you.
Another significant challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more considerable leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are also perplexed. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp during your first year. Request help from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are amazing. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show compassion for students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be alleviated through the many support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.