Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not a situation my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year marked by personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This can be one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Sitting here now, I can confidently affirm that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I’ve realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you interact with others. I’ve also discovered that if you should embody anything, it should be your true self. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the program and the university, you are certain to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can test your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that we are all navigating similar experiences. If something doesn’t click for you, I can almost assure you there are others in the same boat. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are invested in your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had leveraged it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for our year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with the staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the abundant support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never solitary and how to enjoy life despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.