Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the uncharted was not something my previously quiet and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize an academic year filled with personal growth, trials, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be among your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can state with confidence that I have made some of the finest friends I have ever had, both at this university and in this program. I have created a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with some casual conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to help you connect with others. I also learned that if there is one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an increase compared to A-levels, and in some aspects, an even bigger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be taxing for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to acquire in the first year. Look for support from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to connect with faculty, and it’s definitely one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the help available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both in the lead-up to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the various support systems offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and has revealed how to enjoy myself amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.