Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most daunting obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearsome elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student reading this, it may be one of your chief worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the most valuable friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it merely required initiating small conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what have I learned? I learned that taking a chance at the outset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker sessions and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity and complexity of the workload. There was indeed a noticeable elevation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can sometimes undermine your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few factors aided me in navigating that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are also grappling with the same issue. Therefore, ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Seek support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the close of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did make one at the start of the year by assuming the role of a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it is one of the best decisions you can make for your benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the help that is available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated by the plethora of support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment even amid the pressures of exams and deadlines.