Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more fearful aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, far too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, though, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with striking up casual conversations with people in similar positions. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always best. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undeniably a significant leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few elements assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something confusing, I can almost assure you that others are equally puzzled. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students encounter difficulties. They relate to us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly benefit from the pastoral support until the school’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me exposure to the staff members, which is immensely helpful. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best investments you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
In general, this year has imparted the lesson that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be alleviated through the varied support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.