Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I experienced anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my moving-in day, just a few days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day nestled in my room because the thought of venturing out and introducing myself to others was too intimidating. However, reflecting on my experience now, I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it merely required some casual conversations with individuals in analogous situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, it should be authenticity. With the diversity of individuals throughout the course and the university, you are bound to encounter people akin to you.
A further challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always great for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors assisted me in navigating that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar circumstances. If you don’t comprehend something, I can nearly assure you there are others who also struggle. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role permitted me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s unquestionably one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always misplaced and can be alleviated by the plethora of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated, and it has enlightened me on how to relish my time while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.