Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was unfamiliar territory for my once shy and introverted nature. Now, reflecting on the year, I recognize it as a period filled with personal development, hurdles, and great enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might rank among your top worries. On the initial day of moving into my dorm, a few days ahead of starting classes, I spent the whole day sheltered in my room, too anxious to step out and meet others. However, sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve connected with some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, both at this university and within this program. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I conclude? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be plenty of social activities and events to assist you in forging connections. I also came to realize that if you can be anything, be your true self. With such a varied group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find kindred spirits.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a distinct leap from A-levels, and in many aspects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being suddenly placed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, it’s highly probable that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson from my first year. Reach out for support from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students endure. They relate to us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the start of the year by stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the help that’s available. You can never have too much support!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be soothed with the support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly isolated and how to find enjoyment despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.