Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not a typical experience for my previously introverted self. Looking back, I recognize that this year has been filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! So, what insights have I gained this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your chief concerns. On my initial day of moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the semester’s start, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life, at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar positions. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate your connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant transition from the first to the second term. Being placed in such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me manage that feeling, one being the assurance that everyone is facing similar circumstances. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and faculty for support!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are invested in your success and understand that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy toward students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much of it!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always misplaced and can be mitigated by the extensive support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself amid pressures like exams and deadlines.