Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain 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 previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what has this year imparted to me, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I faced was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I felt too daunted by the thought of stepping out and introducing myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it just required initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can embody one trait, it should be authenticity. There are so many diverse individuals within the program and the university; you are sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I encountered was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly an increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are a few others who also struggle to understand. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps at the outset; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me with the chance to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the support available to you. You can never receive too much!
In general terms, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always irrational and can be mitigated with the plethora of support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I am never alone, and it’s shown me how to have fun while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.