Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, 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 Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and withdrawn self was familiar with. Looking back, I’ve experienced a year abundant with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are reading this as an aspiring student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted by the prospect of venturing out and introducing myself to others. Sitting here today, though, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with me engaging in light conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities and events to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse group of people within the course and university, you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the workload and difficulty of the content. There was definitely an advance from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always simple for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in managing that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience as you. If something confounds you, I can nearly guarantee there are at least a few others feeling similarly lost. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter challenges. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is exceedingly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to seize the opportunity for assistance being extended to you. There’s no such thing as excessive help!
Broadly, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be eased with the numerous support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to have fun while dealing with stressors like exams and deadlines.