Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year rich with personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most overwhelming challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term’s start, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room due to feeling too apprehensive to venture out and greet others. However, sitting here today, I can state with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what lesson did I take away? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and activities to help you interact with others. I also discovered that above all, you should be true to yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I had to navigate was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment is not always conducive to your confidence; it’s easy to observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also don’t grasp it. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial skill to acquire in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They are invested in your success and acknowledge that students face hurdles. They are compassionate towards students and maintain steady communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the support being offered. There’s no such thing as too much help!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated by the myriad of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun in conjunction with stressors such as exams and deadlines.