Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back on the previous academic year, I perceive a path of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often ranks as one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the semester start, I spent the entire time cloistered in my room, far too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Today, though, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also recognized that being genuine is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you will surely find those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the challenge of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can be a blow to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. Several factors assisted me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly promise that your peers are also facing difficulties. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most critical lesson to grasp during your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for help!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the challenges that students encounter. They empathize with us and keep in steady contact throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral care until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I talked about taking risks previously – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key lesson from this part of university life is to make the most of the support that is available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst stresses like exams and deadlines.