Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making connections. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I gleaned? I discovered that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With a plethora of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter peers who resonate with you.
Another challenge involved handling the workload and the complexity of the material. The transition was certainly more challenging than A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me overcome this sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee that others are equally perplexed. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate during your first year. Reach out to your peers and faculty for help!
This brings me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They relate to us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to interact with staff, and it’s among the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to leverage the resources available. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never isolated and has shown me how to have fun, even in the face of stressors like exams and deadlines.