Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, frightened, and unsure of what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back over the past year, I observe a journey marked by personal development, numerous challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I was too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can assuredly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re certain to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I confronted was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me conquer this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is sharing the same experience. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also find it confusing. So, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Seek help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did make one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My principal takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the support being provided. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be mitigated through the abundance of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has revealed how to find joy even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.