Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and introverted self had experience with. Reflecting on the year, I recognize it as one filled with personal development, challenges, and immense fun! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the primary and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was making friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an aspiring student, it might be one of your top worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too afraid to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, I can say with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with others in similar experiences. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a step forward at the outset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be many opportunities for ice-breakers and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With the diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another challenge I faced was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a transition from A-levels, and in many ways, an even bigger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few things supported me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you struggle to grasp something, I can almost guarantee there are others who also don’t get it. Therefore, ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take away from your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They are genuinely interested in your success and are aware that students face difficulties. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned previously about taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by serving as a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to establish relationships with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My key takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to benefit from the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both leading up to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.