Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embarking on this new venture was not something my formerly introverted self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I perceive a journey rich with personal development, obstacles, and an abundance of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the foremost and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your utmost concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Reflecting on this now, I can proudly state that I have cultivated some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I’ve learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is invariably the best tactic. If you feel slightly unprepared or uneasy, fear not! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embrace one principle, it’s to be authentic. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are certain to encounter likeminded people.
Another challenge I needed to surmount was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a significant shift from A-levels, and in some ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be daunting for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you don’t comprehend something, I can nearly assure you that several others are also in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and instructors!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and recognize that students may encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing 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 taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I indeed took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your well-being! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to capitalize on the support that is being provided. You can never receive too much!
On a broader scale, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and within university, are almost always baseless and can be mitigated by the multitude of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it’s shown me how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.