Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was gearing up to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was far from what my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year bring, and what is my current stance?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day settling into my living space, a few days ahead of classes starting, I remained in my room the whole day, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships at this institution and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be lots of ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse student body at the course and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reassuring thought that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee that others are baffled as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the key lesson to absorb in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the hurdles that students encounter. They show empathy towards us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role helped me connect with the staff, which has been invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this portion of university life is to fully utilize the support available. You can never have an excess of help!
In summary, this year has demonstrated that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the numerous support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to savor my experiences despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.