Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize it as a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current position?
A major and somewhat intimidating hurdle was the task of forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just prior to the term starting, I spent an entire day secluded in my room, too afraid to step out and meet others. However, I can now proudly say I’ve befriended some of the best people I’ve ever known, both here at the university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I realized that taking initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to help you connect with your peers. I also figured out that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find kindred spirits.
Another significant challenge I faced was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be daunting for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies aided me in navigating this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others are also having difficulties. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter hurdles. They show understanding towards students and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps before – I did take one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which proves to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it is one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My principal takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the help that is provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased by the support systems available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to embrace enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.