Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting aspects of embarking on university life, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it could very well be one of your primary concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet new people. However, as I sit here today, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced during my time at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with engaging in casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I realize? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, just be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and difficulty of the material. The transition from A-levels was undoubtedly significant, and in some respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even greater. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the single most crucial thing to learn to do during your first year. Reach out for assistance from your peers and the staff!
That leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to foster relationships with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many opportunities to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the support available to you. You can never receive too much assistance!
In a broader sense, this year has instilled in me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be diminished with the vast array of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to find joy alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.