Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure of what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re viewing this as a prospective student, it may rank among your top worries. On my initial day settling into my residence, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too scared to step out and greet others. As I sit here today, I can boldly assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance 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 activities and occasions to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should embody, it’s your true self. With such a diverse array of people across the course and university, you are sure to find those who share your interests.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a significant increase compared to A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me transcend that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a topic, I can nearly assure you that others share your confusion. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are wonderful. They are invested in your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They are sympathetic towards students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main lesson regarding this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support channels provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to have fun alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.