Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of pursuing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. What insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This element of beginning university can be quite daunting, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a major worry for you. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent an entire day in my room, far too daunted to step out and meet others. Today, I can assert with certainty that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with brief conversations with classmates facing similar circumstances. So, what have I taken away from this? I realized that making the effort at the beginning of the year is vital. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, no need to stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and the university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another difficulty was managing the workload and the complexity of content. There was certainly a notable increase compared to A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more considerable jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an atmosphere can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me combat this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others share the same struggle. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the most crucial skill to cultivate during your first year. Seek support from your peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the predicaments students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain consistent communication about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I mentioned taking strides earlier – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a wellness representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is tremendously beneficial. There are many ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and throughout university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the various support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never solitary and how to find enjoyment amidst stress factors like exams and deadlines.