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 verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I notice a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was building friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening parts of entering university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day hidden away in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others. However, I can now proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all started with some casual conversation with those in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not yet prepared or feel uneasy, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being true to yourself is essential. With such a wide range of people across the course and university, you are sure to discover those who connect with you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more substantial 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 less competent. A few strategies helped me manage those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same boat. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that others are facing similar struggles. Therefore, it’s important to ask for assistance. This might be the paramount lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely desire your success and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They relate to us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I previously mentioned taking chances – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unnecessary and can be mitigated by the many support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has illustrated that I’m never alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment even amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.