By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty about 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 something my formerly shy and reserved nature was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day retreating to my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. However, today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what was my takeaway? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t fully ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embrace one aspect, let it be to be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a significant difference from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me cope with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same experience. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you there are others who feel the same. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Ask for assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are committed to your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. They show empathy towards students and consistently communicate with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had reached out sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I initially took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to become familiar with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Ultimately, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both in the lead-up to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has revealed how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.