By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating aspects of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your leading concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days before classes began, I spent the entire day cooped up in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Sitting here today, I can confidently state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had during my time at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small talk with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not exactly ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also found that if you can embody anything, be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can strain your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something isn’t clear, I can almost assure you that others are just as puzzled. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most critical skill to acquire in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They are empathetic and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to have fun even alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.