By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously timid and quiet self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking parts of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be a primary worry. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to go out and meet people. Today, though, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started with some light conversation with individuals in the same boat. So, what did I glean from this? I learned that it’s beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be one thing, it should be yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a situation can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to take away from your first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are many avenues to interact with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support systems offered by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it’s demonstrated how to have fun despite stressors like exams and deadlines.