Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day hiding in my room because I felt too intimidated to step outside and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can confidently state that I’ve found some of the best friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of small talk with others in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I found that it’s beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker occasions and events to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the program and university; you’re sure to meet people like you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely an increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and in many ways, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can almost assure you that there are others who also do not understand. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Seek help from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me establish connections with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are many ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the diverse support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy my time alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.