Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was filled 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. Facing the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on this past year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights did this year offer me, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more fearsome elements of entering university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it could very well be one of your primary worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before the semester began, I spent the whole day concealing myself in my room because I was too anxious to venture out and meet others. Now, as I sit here, I can assert that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever encountered at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to help you connect with peers. I also learned that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people across the program and university, you’re sure to find others like you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in several respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might notice others studying and feel inadequate. A few things supported me through that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others also do not comprehend it. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This could be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Seek assistance from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They truly want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly advantageous. There are numerous avenues to get to know staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to maximize the help available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has imparted to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be eased by the multitude of support services offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to have fun alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.