Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into such depths wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the year, I now perceive an academic term brimming with personal evolution, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was establishing friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term, I spent an entire day retreating to my room, overwhelmed by the thought of leaving to meet new people. Here I sit today, however, confidently declaring that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this course. I have built a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I realized it’s always best to take a leap at the outset of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uncomfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker occasions and events to facilitate interaction with others. I also found that if there’s one thing to be, it should be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you will surely encounter others like you.
An additional challenge I had to tackle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to building confidence; you may observe peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating similar circumstances. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly guarantee that several others also share your confusion. Thus, ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They are empathetic toward student issues and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps at the beginning – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with staff, and it’s indisputably one of the wisest things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson regarding this aspect of university life is to take full advantage of the support offered. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated through the numerous support resources available from both staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and has shown me how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.