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 embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back on the previous academic year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this experience, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This frequently represents one of the most daunting components of commencing university, and for any prospective students reading this, it may be among your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too frightened to step out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what has been the lesson? It’s always better to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. What aided me through this was the reminder that everyone experiences similar feelings. If you don’t grasp a topic fully, I can almost assure you that others are experiencing the same confusion. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This perhaps stands as the most crucial lesson from the first year. Seek help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They exhibit empathy towards us and keep an open line of communication throughout the year regarding our worries. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had sooner. I spoke of taking leaps before – I made one at the beginning of the year by serving as a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is highly advantageous. There are numerous avenues for engaging with the staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the support provided. There is no such thing as too much help!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and throughout university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various forms of support offered by faculty and peers. It has reinforced that I am never alone and has shown me how to enjoy the experience despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.