Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not typical for my earlier shy and reserved persona. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a considerable amount of enjoyment! But what insights has this year delivered to me, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most daunting hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more nerve-wracking parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may rank as one of your top concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, far too intimidated to venture out and meet anyone. However, looking back now, I can proudly say that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and within this program. I have cultivated a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in light conversation with peers in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I discovered that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you are bound to find others who share your mindset.
Another challenge I faced was the volume of work and difficulty of the material. There was indeed a significant escalation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting is not always beneficial for your self-confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you struggle to understand something, I can almost assure you that others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may very well be the most critical lesson to grasp in the first year. Look for support from your fellow students and the staff!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They are invested in your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take a risk at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are countless opportunities to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s unmistakably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this dimension of university is to leverage the assistance offered to you. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be diminished with the wide array of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never solitary, and it has taught me how to have fun even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.