Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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 unfamiliar wasn’t something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and lots of enjoyment! So, what insights did this year provide, and where do I currently stand?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. 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 major worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days before term started, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversation with people in comparable situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking chances and activities to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can be one thing, be genuine. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can test your confidence; you might observe peers studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t comprehend. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain open communication throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had leveraged it sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is tremendously advantageous. There are numerous avenues to get to know faculty, and it’s definitely one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has revealed how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.