Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, 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 timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it may be your chief worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, daunted by the prospect of stepping out and introducing myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly declare that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, both in this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with engaging in small conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I grasp? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not completely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With the variety of individuals across the course and university, you’re certain to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always good for your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things helped me navigate through that emotion, one being the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t comprehend something, I can almost assure you that others are struggling as well. Thus, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This transitions to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They are invested in your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They connect with students and maintain open communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking chances at the beginning; I did take one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This role allowed me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s definitely one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support options from faculty and fellow students. It’s demonstrated that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to have fun even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.