Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I realize that this year was filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of joy! But what have I learned this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too frightened to go out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I have built a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with those who were in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that it’s always beneficial 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 numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find like-minded people.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, a significantly larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe classmates studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, you can almost be certain there are others who also don’t understand. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Ask for guidance from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking chances previously – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are plenty of ways to become familiar with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university life is to make the most of the support being offered to you. You can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are often misplaced and can be eased with the numerous support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.