Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Just ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a significant amount of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where am I currently?
One of the first and most formidable hurdles I encountered was establishing friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to emerge and meet others. Today, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did this experience teach me? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and activities to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals within the course and university, you are bound to find those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can be hard on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation. If there’s something you don’t grasp, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same. So, do not hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek support from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I talked about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the support that is available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.