Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was on the cusp of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what does my current situation look like?
One of the first and most formidable hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be among your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. However, today I can proudly assert that I’ve cultivated some of the most incredible friendships during my time at university and within my course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with peers in overlapping situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to aid in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable advancement from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be detrimental to your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel lacking. A few strategies helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you are unclear about something, I can almost assure you there are others who also are. Thus, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are truly exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had made better use of it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to utilize the assistance provided. You can never have an excess of support!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the support accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never solitary, and it has illustrated how to enjoy myself alongside pressures like examinations and deadlines.