Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previous shy and reserved self was used to doing. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what has this year imparted to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most daunting hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of initiating university life, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your major worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester beginning, I spent the entire day holed up in my room because the thought of stepping out and introducing myself to others felt overwhelming. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the most incredible friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of small talk with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I glean from this? I realized that taking a leap at the year’s start is always beneficial. If you don’t feel fully prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you’re going to be anything, be yourself. With such a variety of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in some regards, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes affect your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me overcome that feeling, one of them being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation as you. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also don’t grasp it. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to learn during the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask your peers and the faculty for help!
That leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain open communication with us throughout the year concerning our difficulties. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done it earlier. I spoke about taking leaps at the start – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me become familiar with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In broader terms, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are typically baseless and can be alleviated through the abundant support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to balance enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.