Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my former shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I realize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I taken away from this year, and where do I currently stand?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This definitely ranks among the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it might be your primary worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the dearest friends I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with fellow students in comparable situations. So, what insight did I gain? I learned that it’s best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be many ice-breaker chances and events aimed at helping you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another significant challenge was the amount of work and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being immersed in such a setting isn’t always conducive to building confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in combating that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone shares a similar experience. If you struggle to grasp something, I can almost guarantee others do too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Don’t shy away from asking for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are invested in your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I took one at the year’s outset by becoming a year’s well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous steps you can take for yourself! My chief takeaway from this university experience is to seize the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be eased with the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.