Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I experienced anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year rich with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable experiences! But what lessons have I gained during this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be one of your chief concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term starting, I secluded myself in my room all day because I felt too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say that I’ve gained some of the best friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all started with a bit of casual conversation with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that above all, you should be yourself. With a diverse range of people across the program and the university, you’re bound to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another challenge involved the workload and complexity of the material. There certainly was a noticeable advancement from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the realization that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that there are others who also find it difficult. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This could be the most vital lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and understand that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and keep in touch with us consistently throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really tap into the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the help you’re provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated by the abundant support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has illustrated to me how to enjoy myself in spite of stressors such as exams and deadlines.