By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly introverted and reserved self was prepared for. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and an abundance of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might serve as a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day of moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, far too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I come to understand? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, I learned that if you can embody one quality, it should be to be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are bound to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the demanding coursework and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in various ways, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone shares the same experience. If you find yourself perplexed by something, I can almost guarantee that others are struggling as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to learn during your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to flourish and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with the student body and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I embraced one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for your well-being! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support provided. You can never receive too much assistance!
In summary, this year has illuminated for me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has also taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment amid pressures like exams and deadlines.