Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved personality was used to. Looking back over the past year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re a future student, it may be one of your predominant worries. On the initial day of moving into my housing, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to go out and meet others. Nowadays, however, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the start of the year is always rewarding. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody anything, just be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was handling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee that others are also facing difficulties. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to absorb during the first year. Look for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely desire your success and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had sought it out earlier. Earlier, I spoke about taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many opportunities to engage with faculty, and this is undoubtedly one of the greatest things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to seize the help provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be lessened with the various support systems available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.