Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, 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 unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved personality was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more nerve-wracking parts of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it could be one of your primary concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day hiding in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a jump 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-breaker events and opportunities to connect with others. I also learned that being your true self is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded peers.
Another challenge was the amount of work and the difficulty of the material. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who don’t either. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to us and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking chances earlier – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are plenty of ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your well-being! My main takeaway from this element of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.