Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable experiences! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current perspective?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself. However, today I can say with confidence that I’ve forged some of the most remarkable friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? It’s important to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not quite ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for breaking the ice and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that being genuine is crucial. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was indeed a significant increase from A-levels, and in many respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can test your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few aspects eased that feeling for me, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation. If you find something challenging, I can nearly guarantee that others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials is fantastic. They are dedicated to helping you succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain an open line of communication all year long concerning our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had embraced it earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position assisted me in becoming acquainted with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this part of university life is to leverage the support that’s available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often misplaced and can be mitigated by the support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has illustrated that I am never truly alone and taught me how to enjoy myself amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.