Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt nervous and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you are a potential student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in akin situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is vital. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse mix of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even bigger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can impact your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you others don’t either. Thus, seek assistance. This may be the single most significant lesson to grasp in the first year. Request help from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are truly exceptional. They genuinely aim for your success and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I previously talked about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the assistance available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary, and it’s shown me how to enjoy myself despite pressures like exams and deadlines.