Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what awaited me. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as one filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what has this year imparted to me, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most daunting hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearsome aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be among your chief worries. On my initial day of moving into my housing, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I was too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known here at university and within this course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it only took some light conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in making connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, let it be your true self. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to encounter people just like you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even bigger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to building confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others are also puzzled. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The personnel in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances previously – I did take one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this element of university is to capitalize on the assistance provided to you. You can never have too much of it!
In general, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be alleviated with the multitude of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has guided me on how to enjoy myself amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.