Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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 something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current situation?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be a major concern for you. On my first day moving into my dormitory, a few days before the semester started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can say with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I discovered that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a varied group of people throughout the program and university, you are certain to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another challenge was the workload and difficulty level of the material. There was indeed a notable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are also facing difficulties. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most essential lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They wish for your success and understand that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t completely take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build a rapport with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy despite pressures like exams and deadlines.