Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, 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 unknown was not a familiar territory for my previously timid and reserved self. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are a hopeful student perusing this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too intimidated to go out and meet others. However, now I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever encountered, here at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with peers in comparable situations. So, what have I discovered? I learned that making a bold move at the onset of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re likely to discover those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the coursework and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others do too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They connect with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to become acquainted with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are abundant ways to get to know faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to take full advantage of the assistance that is offered. You can never have an excess of it!
Ultimately, this year has illuminated for me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the various support resources available from both faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated, and it has demonstrated how to enjoy myself even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.