Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and quiet self was used to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be your primary concern. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to classes kicking off, I spent the entire day locked in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly state I’ve forged some incredible friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a bold step at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker events await to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are bound to encounter like-minded individuals.
An additional challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear escalation from A-level studies, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel inferior. What aided me was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, it’s likely others are grappling with it too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They relate to our experiences and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year concerning our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I did so by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often misplaced and can be alleviated with the support accessible from staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never alone and taught me how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.