Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty 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 far from what my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This certainly ranks among the more apprehensive elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it might be your primary worry. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too anxious to step out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what insight did I gain? I realized it’s crucial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With so many diverse individuals throughout the program and the university, you’ll surely find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something confusing, I can almost guarantee that others are in the same situation. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to take away in the first year. Ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They are sympathetic towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral care until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the 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 capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun in the midst of pressures like exams and deadlines.