Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved nature was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself to others. Today, though, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I learn? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events available to assist you in connecting with others. I also came to understand that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter others who share your interests.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the level of difficulty in the content. There was certainly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more considerable jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me cope with that feeling, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who also don’t understand it. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain continuous communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never receive too much!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.