Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my former shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the commencement of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, far too nervous to step outside and meet new people. Nevertheless, today I can proudly declare that I have built some of the most meaningful friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that making an effort at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re feeling a bit unprepared or uneasy, don’t be concerned! There are numerous ice-breaking events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is crucial. With the array of diverse individuals across the course and the university, you are sure to find those with similar interests.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the subject matter. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things supported me through this, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you struggle to grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to attain success and comprehend the challenges that students encounter. They resonate with our experiences and maintain ongoing dialogue about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I made one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the support that is available. You can never have an excess of assistance!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the range of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never truly alone and has shown me how to find joy even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.