Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty 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 formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back at the past academic year, I recognize a journey of personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is often the most frightening part of beginning university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can say with assurance that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with a bit of casual conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized 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 activities and events to facilitate your connections with others. I also came to understand that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant jump from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same plight. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee there are at least a few others who also don’t comprehend it. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and keep in regular contact throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to maximize the support being offered to you. There’s never such a thing as too much!
In general, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are mostly unfounded and can be eased with the many support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun while managing sources of stress like exams and deadlines.