Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and withdrawn self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be a significant worry. On my inaugural day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Yet today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started with small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the onset of the year is vital. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also came to understand that being true to yourself is essential. With such a variety of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who click with you.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me in navigating this was the reminder that everyone finds themselves in the same boat. If something is unclear, I can nearly assure you there are others experiencing the same uncertainty. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. Their desire for you to thrive and their understanding of the challenges students face is evident. They connect with us and provide ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had sought it out sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is tremendously worthwhile. There are many avenues to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this dimension of university life is to seize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that the anxious feelings preceding and during university are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and has taught me how to enjoy my experience despite the pressure from exams and deadlines.