Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Today, however, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and everything started with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to meet like-minded people.
Another significant challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can impact your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. Several things helped me navigate this, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same boat. If you struggle to grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year concerning 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 earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it ranks among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated and how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.